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07/02/2005
MacArthur nears home after 71 days at sea
On Monday morning lone sailor Ellen MacArthur had less than 160 miles left to cross the finish line off Falmouth.
Close to the finish the weather has been fickle. Ellen's lead was cut by strong headwinds and adverse weather in the past five days, which has seen the margin over Francis Joyon's record shrink alarmingly. Last Wednesday, February 2, B&Q had extended a lead over the record run to almost three-and-a-half days, but by Monday, February 7, that lead had been cut to just over 30 hours after 72 days at sea.
But the team are confident that barring any last minute problems, Ellen has enough time in hand to reach the finish and take the record set by French sailor Francis Joyon in 2004.
This morning saw a more favourable 15 knot easterly breeze and the 75 ft trimaran was making 12 knots on a direct course to the finish line off Ushant. This afternoon forecasters were expecting a slightly stronger breeze, which will further help the record bid.
As the finish line approaches, Ellen’s thoughts are naturally turning to seeing family and friends after 72 days alone: “I'm very much looking forward to getting in, to seeing all the team, my friends and family and all the supporters. I can't wait to get in. It's been a very, very long trip and an exceptionally hard one. I'll be glad to be crossing that finish line and finally feeling a little bit of relief.”
For the latest news updates visit www.teamellen.com.
(SP/MB)
Close to the finish the weather has been fickle. Ellen's lead was cut by strong headwinds and adverse weather in the past five days, which has seen the margin over Francis Joyon's record shrink alarmingly. Last Wednesday, February 2, B&Q had extended a lead over the record run to almost three-and-a-half days, but by Monday, February 7, that lead had been cut to just over 30 hours after 72 days at sea.
But the team are confident that barring any last minute problems, Ellen has enough time in hand to reach the finish and take the record set by French sailor Francis Joyon in 2004.
This morning saw a more favourable 15 knot easterly breeze and the 75 ft trimaran was making 12 knots on a direct course to the finish line off Ushant. This afternoon forecasters were expecting a slightly stronger breeze, which will further help the record bid.
As the finish line approaches, Ellen’s thoughts are naturally turning to seeing family and friends after 72 days alone: “I'm very much looking forward to getting in, to seeing all the team, my friends and family and all the supporters. I can't wait to get in. It's been a very, very long trip and an exceptionally hard one. I'll be glad to be crossing that finish line and finally feeling a little bit of relief.”
For the latest news updates visit www.teamellen.com.
(SP/MB)
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08 February 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.
MacArthur smashes record by over 33 hours
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08 February 2005
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry with sunny spells on Friday, cloudier at times in the south. The chance of the odd afternoon shower developing in the south and east. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Any afternoon showers soon dying out to leave a dry evening with clear spells at first, but coastal low cloud, mist or fog then spreads in from the northwest. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
