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08/02/2005
MacArthur smashes record by over 33 hours
Yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur returned to Britain today after setting a new record for sailing solo around the world.
MacArthur's yacht B&Q crossed the finish line at Ushant at 22:29 GMT on Monday evening, setting a new record for the round-the-world trip of 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds. She smashed the previous record set by French sailor Francis Joyon who completed the journey in just under 73 days in February last year, by 34 hours 35 minutes.
Speaking after crossing the finish line off Ushant last night, Ellen said: "I just feel elated. I'm absolutely drained. It's been a very tough trip. The whole South Atlantic was terrible for us on the way back up and it's just been one big draining event from there onwards."
She added: "When I crossed the line, I felt like collapsing on the cockpit floor and just falling asleep. I was absolutely over the moon, but just the fact that you can finally let go – when you cross the line it's over. It's just over, you don't have to worry anymore, I think that was the biggest emotion, elation and one of huge relief."
Ellen's 75ft trimaran, B&Q, was escorted back to Falmouth by the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Severn. She is expected to arrive in Falmouth at around 11:00 GMT where a huge reception is planned to welcome Ellen home.
Previous world record-holder, Francis Joyon, congratulated Ellen MacArthur on her successful attempt. He said: "I always said that Ellen was a serious contender and I can see today that she has decided to prove me right. The mere fact that she was able to sail around the world non-stop was quite an exploit, but to smash the record at the same time fully deserves my warmest congratulations.
"I was hoping to keep the record for a bit longer, but it was not something that I put on a pedestal either. During the press conference following my arrival, I pointed out that in my opinion it was possible to improve on my time, taking into account my damage and the times when I was becalmed. However, I did not think it would be Ellen beating me so soon, and so magnificently".
B&Q sailed 27,354 miles through the water at an average speed of 15.9 knots.
Joyon's extraordinary solo record-breaking trip averaging 15.5 knots had taken more than two weeks off the previous non-stop best time set by the same 90ft trimaran IDEC, which had a full complement of crew.
In comparison Robin Knox-Johnston, one of Ellen's heroes, in his single-handed trip in 1969 in a slower monohull yacht took 313 days to circumnavigate the globe.
(SP/KMcA)
MacArthur's yacht B&Q crossed the finish line at Ushant at 22:29 GMT on Monday evening, setting a new record for the round-the-world trip of 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds. She smashed the previous record set by French sailor Francis Joyon who completed the journey in just under 73 days in February last year, by 34 hours 35 minutes.
Speaking after crossing the finish line off Ushant last night, Ellen said: "I just feel elated. I'm absolutely drained. It's been a very tough trip. The whole South Atlantic was terrible for us on the way back up and it's just been one big draining event from there onwards."
She added: "When I crossed the line, I felt like collapsing on the cockpit floor and just falling asleep. I was absolutely over the moon, but just the fact that you can finally let go – when you cross the line it's over. It's just over, you don't have to worry anymore, I think that was the biggest emotion, elation and one of huge relief."
Ellen's 75ft trimaran, B&Q, was escorted back to Falmouth by the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Severn. She is expected to arrive in Falmouth at around 11:00 GMT where a huge reception is planned to welcome Ellen home.
Previous world record-holder, Francis Joyon, congratulated Ellen MacArthur on her successful attempt. He said: "I always said that Ellen was a serious contender and I can see today that she has decided to prove me right. The mere fact that she was able to sail around the world non-stop was quite an exploit, but to smash the record at the same time fully deserves my warmest congratulations.
"I was hoping to keep the record for a bit longer, but it was not something that I put on a pedestal either. During the press conference following my arrival, I pointed out that in my opinion it was possible to improve on my time, taking into account my damage and the times when I was becalmed. However, I did not think it would be Ellen beating me so soon, and so magnificently".
B&Q sailed 27,354 miles through the water at an average speed of 15.9 knots.
Joyon's extraordinary solo record-breaking trip averaging 15.5 knots had taken more than two weeks off the previous non-stop best time set by the same 90ft trimaran IDEC, which had a full complement of crew.
In comparison Robin Knox-Johnston, one of Ellen's heroes, in his single-handed trip in 1969 in a slower monohull yacht took 313 days to circumnavigate the globe.
(SP/KMcA)
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28 January 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.
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.
29 June 2004
Ellen MacArthur sails to within minutes of transatlantic record
After sailing 2,925 miles, Ellen MacArthur's time in the B&Q trimaran sailing the Atlantic from west to east was just 75 minutes short of the 7 day, 2 hour, 34 minute record set by Laurent Bourgnon in 1994. Over the seven days the giant yacht averaged just over 17 knots, only to hit a patch of light winds of under 15 knots.
Ellen MacArthur sails to within minutes of transatlantic record
After sailing 2,925 miles, Ellen MacArthur's time in the B&Q trimaran sailing the Atlantic from west to east was just 75 minutes short of the 7 day, 2 hour, 34 minute record set by Laurent Bourgnon in 1994. Over the seven days the giant yacht averaged just over 17 knots, only to hit a patch of light winds of under 15 knots.
27 April 2005
Prince and Dame Ellen lend support to albatross campaign
Prince Charles and record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur have both lent their support to a campaign to save the albatross from extinction.
Prince and Dame Ellen lend support to albatross campaign
Prince Charles and record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur have both lent their support to a campaign to save the albatross from extinction.
08 February 2005
Record-breaker MacArthur to be made a Dame
The Queen has confirmed that top yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur will be made a Dame, following her record-breaking solo sailing trip around the world.
Record-breaker MacArthur to be made a Dame
The Queen has confirmed that top yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur will be made a Dame, following her record-breaking solo sailing trip around the world.
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.
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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.
