British catamaran Maiden II has smashed the round Britain and Ireland record, completing the course in four days, 17 hours and three minutes.

Britain's Brian Thompson skippered the catamaran past the previous record, set by American Steve Fossett, in emphatic fashion.

Fossett's Lakota established the record of five days, 21 hours and five minutes in 1994, but that time now lags over 28 hours behind Thompson's record run.

"We are very, very pleased to have done the course and feel we did a good job," said Thompson.

"The boat was really good and we only broke a few battens on the trip."

Last year, using the name Club Med, Maiden II won the first edition of The Race, a non-stop round-the-world event.

The catamaran also holds the record of sailing the longest distance (697 miles) in one day.

British yachstwoman Tracy Edwards will attempt the Jules Verne round-the world record on Maiden II in the New Year.

She was not onboard during the Round Britain and Ireland record.

Last month the giant catamaran Orange failed narrowly in its quest for the fastest time around GB and Ireland.

In November, Ellen MacArthur will take delivery of Orange, to be renamed Kingfisher, and will use the boat for her attempt on the Jules Verne record next year.