YACHTSWOMAN Ellen MacArthur's attempt to break the record for sailing singlehandedly around the world looks in jeopardy as she battles against technical problems aboard her trimaran.
The 28-year-old from Cowes, Isle of Wight, is on day 15 of her attempt in the 75ft vessel B&Q to beat the record set by Frenchman Francis Joyon of 72 days, 22 hours, 54minutes and 22 seconds.
However, a failed generator needed to power essential electronics, including satellite communications and the trimaran's instruments, has broken down leading to MacArthur relying on a smaller generator.
However, the back-up generator is compounding problems forMacArthur.
The heat produced by the oil-powered device is causing the cabin to reach temperatures of 48 degrees, melting some of the surrounding components.
It is also causing exhaust fumes to fill the cabin area, making it virtually uninhabitable.
Her situation is also being hampered by heavy seas making it difficult for MacArthur to carry out repairs, according to a support team spokesman.
MacArthur said: After a week of being at sea, I realised the main generating engine was using a massive amount of oil and that amount of oil was not sustainable - in otherwords, I did not have enough oil to complete the trip with that engine.
"So we've been through a whole process of different tests and I've changed now from using the main generating engine to the small generator which has bought a whole host of problems - like ventilating the boat, trying to keep the temperature down in that room (the cabin).
"The temperature in the main generating room went up to 48 degrees the first time I ran that generator and that was with all the hatches open.
"So it's been a huge amount of stress - we've not used it enough yet to know for sure that it can do the job."
A further setback for MacArthur has been a broken down watermaker, causing her to rely on a back-up device which is not providing enough water, according to the support team spokesman.
He said: "The implications of these technical issues are serious as she is about to enter the harsh, freezing conditions of the southern (Atlantic) Ocean.
"She is battling it out in rough conditions, 30-plus knots of headwind and big waves that are slamming into the side of the boat.
"These conditions alone are potentially boat-breaking and hampers any chance Ellen has of solving the immediate technical issues.
"For Ellen, she will not want to give up but she is experienced enough to weigh up the pitfalls to help her make the decision to continue or not on this particular attempt.
"This decision will not come easily or quickly, as she and the shore team look at all the options open to keep her on course for this attempt or take the decision to bail out and get back to the UK in time for a second go this winter."
MacArthur's position yesterday afternoon was in the southern Atlantic Ocean, 1620 miles off the coast of Brazil.
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