I Feel Exhausted but Absolutely Elated Says Fastest Sailor in History; ELLEN MACARTHUR ARRIVES HOME TO HEROINE'S WELCOME FROM FANS, LAND CREW AND HUNDREDS OF WELLWISHERS BOWLED OVER BY HER EPIC AROUND-THE-WORLD SOLO ACHIEVEMENT

Byline: PATRICK SAWER

ELLEN MACARTHUR today received a rapturous reception from thousands of well-wishers and fans who gathered to cheer her on to dry land after her record-breaking round-the-world voyage. Yachting enthusiasts, support crew and hundreds of people lined the quayside at Falmouth to welcome MacArthur home aboard her trimaran.

The 28-year-old sealed her place among the pantheon of sporting legends at 10.29pm and 17 seconds last night when she crossed the invisible finishing line between Ushant in France and the Lizard in Cornwall, to become the fastest person to sail around the world single-handed.

Speaking immediately afterwards she said: "I can't believe it. I can't believe it.

It hasn't sunk in yet. It has been an absolutely unbelievable voyage, both physically and mentally. I can't believe it." After gaining speed in her final run for the finishing line due to favourable winds, MacArthur completed her voyage in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds.

To achieve the record she had to beat the 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes and 22 seconds set by achieved by her great …

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Publication information: Article title: I Feel Exhausted but Absolutely Elated Says Fastest Sailor in History; ELLEN MACARTHUR ARRIVES HOME TO HEROINE'S WELCOME FROM FANS, LAND CREW AND HUNDREDS OF WELLWISHERS BOWLED OVER BY HER EPIC AROUND-THE-WORLD SOLO ACHIEVEMENT. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Evening Standard (London, England). Publication date: February 8, 2005. Page number: 2. © Not available. COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group.

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