ELLEN MacArthur and her Kingfisher2 crew are not expected to break the record for the fastest start to a Jules Verne round the world race.

Speaking yesterday, she admitted it might take until Thursday to cross the Equator, "but it is hard to say."

For Kingfisher2 to beat the existing Ushant (start) to Equator record of 6 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes, 21 seconds set by Geronimo, they must cross the Equator before 6.15pm GMT tomorrow.