First words from Ellen MacArthur after her finish in the Vendee Globe

by Philippe Jeantot & Ellem MacArthur on 12 Feb 2001 Ellen MacArthur (Kingfisher) crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe in second position at 2036 hrs and 40 seconds.

The 24 yr old British skipper has just become the first woman to achieve a solo circumnavigation in less than 100 days. She has spent 94 days, 4 hours, 25 minutes and 40 seconds at sea.


Ellen¹s first words from her boat and the podium after crossing the finish line:

'Half you imagine in your head what can happen, and the other half no-one could ever imagine what could happen.

'I'm so happy to see my friends but at the same time I really don't feel like a party tonight!'

'All I can say is Bravo Michel! He sailed a fantastic course. I made several mistakes but you learn a lot!' (much giggling)

'I think I have learned a lot about myself and the boat, you spend a lot of time thinking, reflecting, dreaming about so many things. I have found great pleasure in this race but at the
same time you learn so much.'

'Other projects? Yes, the Transat Jacques Vabre and there¹s a crewed transatlantic race I want to do this July. It will be a bit bizarre to have other people on board though! I can¹t imagine
my life without this boatŠ'

'My boat and I, well it¹s a long story and I am so proud of her, she is super ­ bravo Kingfisher!



'Thank you for coming! I knew that the strongest moment would be crossing the line, and the toughest would be half an hour later when I¹d have to be parted from my boat.'

'Without my boat I am nothing. I¹m merely the helmsman.'

'I have just realised a dream come true but I haven¹t come out of it, I don¹t think I ever will.

'Since 10 yrs old I¹ve been dreaming of doing this non-stop circumnavigation, I¹ve read all the books on it.'