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Ellen breaks round-the-world record
8 February 2005
Ellen MacArthur has smashed the record for the fastest person to sail single-handedly around the world non-stop.
The yachtswoman was sent “warmest congratulations” by the Queen after completing the journey in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds.
MacArthur said she was “physically and mentally exhausted” but “absolutely overjoyed”. She added: “I cannot believe it, I absolutely cannot believe it. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think until I see faces again that it’s really going to sink in. It’s been an absolutely unbelievable journey both physically and mentally. I’m absolutely overjoyed.”
Prime Minister Tony Blair added his congratulations, saying: “The whole country is very proud of Ellen.” The Prince of Wales sent “heartfelt congratulations”.
The 28-year-old from Cowes on the Isle of Wight set out on November 28 last year in her 75ft trimaran B&Q. She beat the existing record by one day, eight hours, 35 minutes and 49 seconds, her shore team said. The total distance she sailed was 27,354 miles and her average speed on the water was 15.9 knots.
When Frenchman Francis Joyon set his record time in February last year many in the sailing world thought it would stand for years as he took a massive 20 days off the old record.
MacArthur crossed the finish line off Ushant, France, at 10.25pm. Her shore team then went onboard to take the helm. Later today, she will sail into Falmouth, Cornwall, to be greeted by thousands of well-wishers.
During the incident-packed voyage she has suffered burns to her arm, been battered and bruised when she had to climb the 90ft mast and narrowly avoided colliding with a whale. She has also been buoyed by about 2,000 emails of support sent to her boat from all over the world during the record attempt
