BRITISH YACHTSWOMAN, Ellen MacArthur, began her attempt to sail around the world solo in the fastest time this week. The 28-year-old and her 75ft B&Q trimaran, departed from Ushant, off the French coast on her epic trip, following five such attempts by fellow sailors, only one made the 27,000 mile voyage without stopping.
Frenchman, Francis Joyon, set a new world record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes and 22 seconds earlier this year. This means that the yachtswoman will have to cross the finish line in the English Channel no later than February 9 next year if she is to beat it.
The challenge is MacArthur’s toughest yet – the two million-pounds sterling, state-of-the-art boat will push her to the limit. Ellen says she has a “slim chance” of beating Joyon’s record, which many believe could stand for a long time.
