Round-the-world hopeful Ellen MacArthur was a step closer to her dream today after it emerged she had dramatically closed the gap behind the Vendee Globe single-handed boat race leader.

The 24-year-old from Cowes, is just 60 miles behind Michel Desjoyeaux, who is favourite to win the 100-day event.

"Anyone could still win this race," said MacArthur yesterday. "No-one could have imagined the pace and speed of this race before the start. It's unprecedented. Suddenly you see how important boat speed is.

"It feels good to know that Michel got stuck. We are in the same weather system but he is still further in the north and when the wind kicks in he'll get going first."

For MacArthur, youngest competitor in the race, finishing in first position would be a dream come true, her spokesman said.

The pair are battling it out east of Rio de Janeiro in the South Atlantic in the same wind pattern. MacArthur should reach the equator in five days, where the race toughens because of lack of wind.

Her boat Kingfisher is coping well and she is keeping her spirits up, said her spokesman, Mark Turner.

"They have just more than 4,000 miles to the end and are on Day 75 today. There are five boats, including Ellen's, that still have a chance of winning as there are only 500 miles between the boat in first and the boat in fifth place.

"They are making their way up the coast of South America.

"It would be very hard for her to win and she realises that, but she's got a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

"It would be a dream come true for her. It will be amazing for her to finish, but for her to win would be the icing on the cake."

The race started on November 5 at Les Sables d'Olonne, in the Vendee area of France, and will end there in about 25 days' time.