Yachtsman abandons world record bid

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Bullimore, 68, dubbed "Captain Calamity" by sections of the media, had hoped to set a new world record by sailing more than 27,000 miles single-handedly around the globe.

But after being continually beset by problems since setting out from Hobart, Tasmania, on May 1, the pensioner has been forced to call time on his attempt to beat Dame Ellen MacArthur's record of 71 days, 14 hours and 18 minutes, which she set last February.

The Bristol-based mariner belatedly set off on his ill-fated challenge more than four months behind schedule and immediately ran into problems.

Last Thursday a huge sail on his 102ft catamaran Doha 2006 snapped, causing delays as he made emergency repairs. Days later the boat was battered by huge waves as storms swept into his path, causing him to alter his route and lose yet more time.

The following Thursday a pin responsible for holding his catamaran together began to work loose, threatening the stability of the boat.

Bullimore was forced into making the agonising decision to abandon his attempt late last night. He is now limping back to Auckland, New Zealand, so repairs can be made to his boat.

Bullimore was infamously rescued from the Southern Ocean in 1997 during the Vendee Globe solo non-stop race when his boat capsized.

He spent five days in the upturned hull of his yacht, surviving on "a little chocolate, water and sheer determination" before being dramatically rescued by the Australian Air Force and Navy.

The sailor said the setback had not put him off trying to break Dame Ellen MacArthur's record and he would set sail in another attempt later this year.