Watch out for yachting-world.com’s exclusive reports from Kingfisher2 during Ellen MacArthur’s Jules Verne attempt which is on standby as from tomorrow. Andrew Preece, Yachting World’s Racing Editor and crewmember on Kingfisher2 will be filing special reports to illustrate what it’s like to be on board a super-fast, 110ft cat as she hurtles round the world on a record-breaking attempt.

Preece is no stranger to the world of fast multihull sailing having been involved with PlayStation on her Transatlantic record-breaking attempt, and more recently Orange on her Round Britain and Ireland record attempt with Bruno Peyron.

“But this is the big one,” commented Preece this morning as he prepares for departure. “We’re now all ready to go but we need to wait for the weather window before we set off. It’s a strange feeling. Although I’m feeling apprehensive about what lies ahead, I really want to get started.” According to Preece however, the chances of starting tomorrow, or indeed before early next week are not looking too good. “Yes, we’re on standby as from tomorrow morning,” added Preece, “but it looks as though the first weather window is more likely to arrive early next week which means I’ll probably go home for the weekend!” While Preece is sounding positive about the challenge and has no doubt that they have the ‘right tools for the job’, he did express his personal fears, commenting: “I think my biggest concern right now is the thought of being cold and wet for a month in the Southern Ocean and only having two sets of dry clothes for the entire trip. This concern will undoubtedly, soon be superseded by the fear of capsizing.”

To follow Kingfisher2 on her record-breaking attempt with reports and photos from the boat, bookmark www.yachting-world.com.