ELLEN MACARTHUR and Nick Moloney took their place on the podium in the Regatta de Rubicon this week after they finished fourth in the second leg of the race to finish third overall.

They were beaten by French winner Roland Jourdain in Sill and Bernard Stamm, the Swiss sailor in Bobst Group but maintained their record of a podium finish in every race Kingfisher has competed in since her launch in 2000.

Moloney said: "We're of course a bit disappointed to have not stayed with the leaders on this leg, but happy to have still secured third overall.

"We've also put the boat through a very wide range of conditions, and have made some great progress for Ellen in terms of preparation for the Route du Rhum.

"She is a very different boat performance-wise to last year, the Rhum is going to be a great battle with Sill."

The Kingfisher crew will now head back to the Solent, in time for the Round the Island race on June 22. If they arrive in time, MacArthur will take the helm for this historic race which is the largest regatta in the world.