Frenchman Francois Gabart today smashed the world record for the fastest solo navigation of the globe. <br/><br/>Gabart completed the feat in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds. <br/><br/>The 34-year-old sailor crossed a virtual finish line drawn between the island of Ushant off France's northwest tip and Lizard Point in southwest England. <br/><br/>He comfortably beat the previous record set by compatriot Thomas Coville by six days and 10 hours. <br/><br/>The race time was announced by an observer from the World Sailing Speed Council but will be subject to checks of the boat's black box and its GPS data before final confirmation.<br/><br/>Gabart becomes just the fourth title-holder for a world record of sailing the globe solo. <br/><br/>The debut record holder was Francis Joyon, aloso from France, who completed the odyssey in 72 days and 22 hours in 2004.