Ellen MacArthur becomes gay icon
Ellen MacArthur has become a gay icon after giving an interview to the lesbian and gay website RainbowNetwork.
Female admirers have speculated on the yachtswoman's sexuality on the website's chat room.
But they face disappointment because Ellen has a boyfriend waiting for her back at home.
RainbowNetwork editor Dan Gould said: "During her historic race, Ellen gave an interview to RainbowNetwork, the biggest website for lesbians and gay men in the UK, in which she spoke of life on board the Kingfisher.
"Whilst she did not come out as a lesbian, her presence on the site indicates that she has a gay-friendly attitude. RainbowNetwork's Lesbian Lounge Forum has been inundated with messages that indicate the yachtswoman is not short of female admirers.
"She exemplifies many of the qualities of lesbian iconhood, being unpretentious, talented, strong, determined, courageous and a headline maker.
"Sadly for her lesbian admirers, some media reports mention that the skipper of the Kingfisher has a boyfriend, although he is currently out of the limelight. Perhaps it's for the best, Ellen's father once famously remarked that his daughter is 'married to her boat'."
