Bullimore was rescued from the Southern Ocean in 1997

Bullimore, 67, who survived five days trapped in his capsized yacht during a 1997 ocean race, wants to shave a day off MacArthur's 71-day mark.

"There are certain records in sailing that are nice to break and this is one of them," said Bullimore.

"It is the toughest of them all and holds the greatest accolade. This would be a great swansong."

The former Royal Marine won international fame in 1997 when he was rescued after surviving on "sheer determination, a little water and a little chocolate" for five days in the upturned hull of his boat in the Southern Ocean during the Vendee Globe race.

He added: "I've done hundreds and thousands of miles at sea. If it were a different sport I'd have been finished years ago, but experience and tenacity are important in long-distance sailing and that doesn't necessarily come with being young.

"The weather is the main element. If I get a break with the weather I have a good chance of breaking the record, but if the weather turns against me then it will be difficult."

Bullimore said he expects to start the record attempt towards the end of September or the beginning of October from Hobart in Australia.

MacArthur smashed Frenchman Francis Joyon's solo round-the-world record in 2005.

Her record stands at 71 days, 14 hours and 18 minutes.