MacArthur hails 'overwhelming' welcome
Round-the-world record breaker Ellen MacArthur described her welcome as “overwhelming” as she arrived back in Falmouth, England today to be greeted by thousands of well-wishers.
The 28-year-old declared: “I am so happy to be back.”
Surrounded by a flotilla of boats, she brought her yacht B&Q alongside where family and friends were waiting.
The sailor said she was amazed by the “extraordinary” reception at the end of her “unbelievable” voyage.
MacArthur said seeing so many people ready to welcome her home had made her achievement start to sink in.
Britain's Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair sent their personal congratulations and Downing Street revealed that Britain’s favourite sailor is to be made a Dame.
MacArthur smashed the record for the fastest person to sail single-handedly around the world non-stop last night.
The young sailor completed the journey in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds – trimming the record by one day, eight hours, 35 minutes and 49 seconds.
Helicopters buzzed overhead, boat horns sounded and the waiting crowds cheered as Dame Ellen made her final slow approach to the quayside in Falmouth.
Surrounded by scores of smaller boats, B&Q was manoeuvred carefully round to a pontoon packed with the waiting media.
She hugged her parents, Ken and Avril, and family and spoke emotionally about seeing them again.
She said: “There were times when seeing home seemed a very long way away but we are home now. Just to be able to touch them and see them is absolutely fantastic.”
MacArthur held a lit flare in each hand and bounded around the boat, laughing and smiling at those on shore.
She was then handed an enormous bottle of champagne which she struggled to open before spraying it on the crowds of people standing on the jetty below.
