`Wind gods' blamed as MacArthur misses record
British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur narrowly missed out on setting a new transatlantic record today by just an hour-and-a-quarter.
The “wind gods” conspired against the 27-year-old as she made her first attempt to beat the west to east transatlantic solo record in her new £1.3m (€1.9m) state-of-the art trimaran B&Q.
She arrived at Lizard Point in Cornwall at 1:59:57 GMT today, seven days, three hours, 49 minutes and 57 seconds after setting off from Ambrose Light off New York last Monday.
The current record of seven days, two hours, 34 minutes, 42 seconds was set by Frenchman Laurent Bourgnon in June 1994 on his 60ft trimaran, Primagaz.
MacArthur said: “It’s sad. I’ve put so much in to this record attempt. I’ve given it everything I’ve got. If I think of all the times I could have gained a few minutes, of times I’ve made small errors, it’s very frustrating. But I’ve learnt huge amounts about myself and the boat.
“I never imagined being able to push her so hard. And I also haven’t pushed myself that hard before, maybe not even in the Vendee Globe. I don’t think I’ve slept for more than 12 hours in total since New York.”
She added: “I certainly couldn’t have pushed any harder, that’s for sure.
“In the closing stages, the biggest problem was the wind direction, we had to make one extra gybe and during that time while heading to the north we were not making much ground to the finish, but we had no choice to keep the stronger wind.
“At the end of the day the ’wind gods’ were in control, not me. Two days ago I did actually think it was over, but we came back and got back in the game again. I had started to believe we were going to do it, but clearly it wasn’t to be – this time.”
David Roth, B&Q marketing director, said: “Well done, Ellen, for your efforts to break the solo transatlantic record. You set yourself an amazing challenge and your ’can do’ spirit is an inspiration to us all. We share your disappointment this time round but we look forward to facing the next big challenge with you and celebrating your success.”
The Isle of Wight-based sailor pushed the boat and herself to the limit during the 2,925-mile voyage, taking only two hours sleep per day over the last six days and eating very little hot food.
But MacArthur is used to the conditions after shooting to fame in 2001 when she came second in the gruelling Vendee Globe solo round the world race aged just 24 to become the fastest woman and youngest person to sail around the world single-handed.
She is now considering whether to make a winter attempt on the round the world record held by Francis Joyon, a team spokeswoman said.
