ROUND-THE-WORLD yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur will today begin her most gruelling challenge yet.

The Isle of Wight-based sailor, pictured, is due to leave Falmouth, in Cornwall, for the starting line on her ambitious non-stop, round-the-world, solo record-breaking bid.

Conditions are now thought perfect for 27-year-old Ellen to power up her 75ft trimaran and cross the starting line on Sunday.

To break the record - set earlier this year by Frenchman Francis Joyon - she will have to be back by February 9, 2005.

Only six people have ever attempted the trip and just one has succeeded.

By comparison, more than 1,800 people have climbed Everest.

Ellen, who must reach the coast of Ushant, France, before starting the race, said: "This is what we have been working for. It looks like we have a weather window to go for and we are planning to take it.

"I am feeling both excited and nervous. To go out and try and beat Francis's record is going to be very, very hard.

"I don't underestimate the challenge - but if I didn't think it was possible, I wouldn't be here."

Go to our dedicated yachting site 'Sail Solent' at: www.sailsolent.co.uk - for more about Ellen MacArthur's record breaking attempt.