Menu
28/01/2005
In doldrums but MacArthur breaks equator record
Last night solo British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur crossed the equator at 9.45 GMT (Thursday) in a new fastest solo time of 60 days, 13 hours and 35 minutes, but is still in the grip of the mainly light wind area known as the doldrums.
At that stage she had managed to shave 1 day, 10 hours and 50 minutes off the previous fastest solo time set by Frenchman Francis Joyon. At the time of the crossing, the calculated time showed a greater margin as her 75ft trimaran B&Q was effectively closer to the finish than Joyon as she crossed the Equator a few miles further east, and therefore closer to the finish.
According to unofficial timings, this is MacArthur's fifth new solo speed record achieved since she set off on her west to east solo round-the-world voyage. Subject to ratification, Ellen has set a new solo Equator to Equator record of 51 days, 19 hours and 15 minutes.
However, Ellen is not expected to clear the doldrums, the hot equatorial area infamous for its fluky light winds, until later tonight.
In her morning report Ellen said: "Wind up and down, fluctuating between 5 and 9 knots, and its gone further to the north which is a good sign."
Despite reaching the Equator, B&Q's average speed has been decreasing overnight, from 15 knots to 6 knots this morning, but she has been reluctant to hoist B&Q's massive light wind sail, which can only be set in winds up to 8 knots.
Satellite pictures of the area show cloud and shower activity along her course and with each shower bringing the risk of no wind or violent squalls changing to a larger sail could be disastrous. Similarly, hitting a windless spot could cost Ellen the advantage that she has painstakingly built up to 1 day and 13 hours as of 7.52 GMT on Friday.
At this stage in his record holding run, Francis Joyon started to speed up dramatically and MacArthur is hopeful that she can escape the doldrums and pick up the NE trade winds in good time for the last dash of the voyage north in the Atlantic.
In terms of wind strength, the weather outlook for the North Atlantic ahead is not currently that good. A large high pressure sitting over Ireland is 'blocking' a more favourable wind pattern for the homeward leg.
Keep up to date by visiting www.teamellen.com.
(SP)
At that stage she had managed to shave 1 day, 10 hours and 50 minutes off the previous fastest solo time set by Frenchman Francis Joyon. At the time of the crossing, the calculated time showed a greater margin as her 75ft trimaran B&Q was effectively closer to the finish than Joyon as she crossed the Equator a few miles further east, and therefore closer to the finish.
According to unofficial timings, this is MacArthur's fifth new solo speed record achieved since she set off on her west to east solo round-the-world voyage. Subject to ratification, Ellen has set a new solo Equator to Equator record of 51 days, 19 hours and 15 minutes.
However, Ellen is not expected to clear the doldrums, the hot equatorial area infamous for its fluky light winds, until later tonight.
In her morning report Ellen said: "Wind up and down, fluctuating between 5 and 9 knots, and its gone further to the north which is a good sign."
Despite reaching the Equator, B&Q's average speed has been decreasing overnight, from 15 knots to 6 knots this morning, but she has been reluctant to hoist B&Q's massive light wind sail, which can only be set in winds up to 8 knots.
Satellite pictures of the area show cloud and shower activity along her course and with each shower bringing the risk of no wind or violent squalls changing to a larger sail could be disastrous. Similarly, hitting a windless spot could cost Ellen the advantage that she has painstakingly built up to 1 day and 13 hours as of 7.52 GMT on Friday.
At this stage in his record holding run, Francis Joyon started to speed up dramatically and MacArthur is hopeful that she can escape the doldrums and pick up the NE trade winds in good time for the last dash of the voyage north in the Atlantic.
In terms of wind strength, the weather outlook for the North Atlantic ahead is not currently that good. A large high pressure sitting over Ireland is 'blocking' a more favourable wind pattern for the homeward leg.
Keep up to date by visiting www.teamellen.com.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
18 December 2003
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
21 February 2008
Live Or Let Die As Monkeys Take Main Brit Award
Arctic Monkeys took home the top prize at the Brit awards last night; some things never change, and the Brit Awards are certainly one of them. Infamous for its drunken acceptance speeches, cringe inspiring presenters and generally awful taste in winners, the Brits lived up to its reputation completely.
Live Or Let Die As Monkeys Take Main Brit Award
Arctic Monkeys took home the top prize at the Brit awards last night; some things never change, and the Brit Awards are certainly one of them. Infamous for its drunken acceptance speeches, cringe inspiring presenters and generally awful taste in winners, the Brits lived up to its reputation completely.
10 February 2005
Scissor Sisters score Brits hat-trick
New York band Scissor Sisters were the stars of the show at the 25th Brit Awards, collecting three of the most prestigious awards. The American band, who made a huge impression on the British music scene with hits such as 'Laura' and 'Take Your Mama' in 2004, picked up the international awards for best album, group and breakthrough act.
Scissor Sisters score Brits hat-trick
New York band Scissor Sisters were the stars of the show at the 25th Brit Awards, collecting three of the most prestigious awards. The American band, who made a huge impression on the British music scene with hits such as 'Laura' and 'Take Your Mama' in 2004, picked up the international awards for best album, group and breakthrough act.
03 June 2005
MacArthur launches Channel record bid
Record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur is leaving Plymouth today in a bid to set the record for the fastest cross-Channel trip from Plymouth to Roscoff in France. Dame Ellen and her crew will attempt to set a record time for a sailing vessel with the holder being awarded the Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy.
MacArthur launches Channel record bid
Record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur is leaving Plymouth today in a bid to set the record for the fastest cross-Channel trip from Plymouth to Roscoff in France. Dame Ellen and her crew will attempt to set a record time for a sailing vessel with the holder being awarded the Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
