A week ago MacArthur, the youngest competitor in the race, rounded Cape Horn, was some 623 nautical miles behind Desjoyeaux.

However by Sunday she had drastically cut that lead and was still gaining on the French leader, who had fallen victim to light winds.

"It's getting more stressful but it's great to have all the boats getting together," MacArthur said, although she admitted there was still a long way to go.

Dead winds

"I'm in good shape and although it's true that I'm missing a few sails they're not the sails I am going to use until the finish," the 23-year-old, who is repairing her gennaker, added.

The leading boats in the race are on the home stretch, sailing north through the Atlantic Ocean towards the finish in Les Sable d'Olonne, France, where 24 boats started the race on November 9.

However Desjoyeaux has found himself becalmed in what is known as the St Helena high-pressure system.

"There is nothing I can do. Saint Helena is annoying me," he said before joking that he was going to be wearing his bathing suit all day.

In the past 24 hours MacArthur has averaged more than 14 knots, while Desjoyeaux has made a comparatively slow nine knots.

Further down the field Dominique Wavre is busy drinking coffee in an attempt to stay awake as long as possible as the competition "gets exciting".

"I will fight to the end and I am using the boat to its full potential," Wavre said.

Postions at 1000 GMT 21 January 2001