Ellen MacArthur

Ellen MacArthur has set a new record for sailing solo around the world - 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds - slicing more than a day and eight hours off the record set by Frenchman Francis Joyon last year.

Control room joy as Ellen finishes

And a Downing Street spokesman has announced Ellen is to be made a Dame in recognition of her achievement.

The world-beating Derbyshire sailor set the record time after crossing the line between Ushant, France, and The Lizard, Cornwall, at  20:29:17 GMT.

The total distance she sailed was 27,354 miles at an average speed of 15.9 knots.

Her support team was waiting to greet her and to sail her trimaran, B&Q, into Port Pendennis Marina in Falmouth, Cornwall, where she is expected to arrive at around 11am.

There, she'll be greeted by thousands of supporters and over 300 reporters who will be able witness her return at the National Maritime Museum.

Many sailing enthusiasts from Derbyshire made the long trip to Falmouth to share the moment Ellen crossed the line.

(Use the link on the right to see Ellen's epic voyage in pictures)

A short time after setting the new record, Ellen said: "The whole voyage has been very draining, and there's a lot of things going round in my head.

"But it's great that I can finally switch my brain off and relax in the company of others which I've really missed."

Ellen checks things out on B&Q's Hull

She added: "I always believed I could break the record, and Francis agreed it was breakable. But I really didn't think I would do it at the first attempt."

Immediately after Ellen finished, the previous record-holder, Francis Joyon, said: "I always said that Ellen was a serious contender, and I can see today that she has decided to prove me right.

"The mere fact that she was able to sail around the world non-stop was quite an exploit, but to smash the record at the same time fully deserves my warmest congratulations."

The Queen has sent a message of congratulations to Ellen: "I'm delighted to learn
that you have completed your round-the-world journey in record time.

"Since you set sail last November, your progress has been followed by many people in Britain and throughout the world, who have been impressed by your courage, skill and stamina.

"I send you my warmest congratulations on your remarkable and historic achievement."

Ellen had already broken five records on this trip - beating Joyon's times to the Equator, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn and back again to the Equator.

You said:

I think shes a legendary woman and definetly one of the bravest.
William Hayward

I just want to say well done and i cheered aswell as you when you past that line any way see ya bye
Zoe

Well done. We are doing a report about you in school.
CARA BOYLE

We were amazed at how far you sailed. We used your journey in maths lessons. Thank you so much and well done.
Westhaven School

well done ellen a fantastic achievement
michelle thomas

Congratulations from Nova Scotia we were all rooting for you... Jane (also originally from Derbyshire!)
Jane Manara

Mallory, Hillary, Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton, Armstrong, MacARTHUR!! You're awesome.
Jack Merry, Gig Harbor, Washington

Ellen was really brave to do that dangourus trip
Danielle

Congratulations, well done you are a great inspiration to us all and lots of success in the future.
Eugene Gannon

Simply an inspiring woman! An example of what courage and determination can achieve! I am truly overwhelmed! Congratulations and all the best for your next project! We'll be supporting you all the way - again! xxx
Mariye Perez

America loves you too Way to go
Darrell Davey

Well done Ellen. I live in east Texas but come from Derbyshire and was so proud and astonished that you are from Derbyshire too. I know it's that indomitable spirit that the people of Derbyshire have that saw you through. I also have a connection to that other Derbyshire woman that did so well.....FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE! HANDS UP FOR DERBYSHIRE LASSES!! :)
Velma Chambers

ELLEN YOU ARE AMAZING, MY IDOL, CONGRATULATIONS FROM MEXICO
EUGENIO AMAT BUENO

Congratulations on your record breaking achievement
Val Kirk

My warmest congratulations! This is truely an amazing accomplishment... Sitting here in my office in New York as I write, I am envious, humbled, respectful, ...I am in awe. Way to go Ellen!
Benjamin Faulks

I do a lot of sailing, and hearing about your journey, you have encoraged my friends to start sailing to. Now they all want to breack the record, so I'd watch it! Your biggest fan, Bronte
Bronte, 10, East Midlands

Way to go - as a sailor and windsurfer you are my new hero!! Look forward to the book. All the best from America - your friend in North Carolina Steve
Steve Benbow - East Coast of NC, USA

well ellen . i am so happy for you . i wish i was there seening you coming back from that place . i hope you get lots of sleep love from frances . i have seen you and i think you r the best in the world
frances holmes

I think Ellen has done great to sail around the world it musthave took some strengh!
Sophie

We send you congratulations from Fivemiletown N.Ireland You have great discipline, courage, stamina and great faith in yourself. You have proved that women can master the seas as good as any man and better.
Margaret Geelan & Lee Scott

What a wonderful achievement Dame Ellen. You deserve the award from the Queen. Congratulations to you and the team.
Mrs.Mary Brooke

A brilliant achievement - enjoy your well deserved laurels and accolades.
Bob & Pauline Miles (ex-pats, SPAIN)

Well done Ellen.
Ramparts Interior Contracts Ltd

What a magnificent achievement. Well done!
christinanewth

You are one inspirational young lady,we are so proud of you and we are flying the flag for you.WELL DONE
jan +fans derby

Congratulations Eleanor I am writing this while listening to your first words on your return. I have followed your journey with interest you really a remarkable young lady. WELL DONE (Trish Derby County Supporter)xxx
Trish Pratt

We think you are very brave and clever. Well done. Lots of love from all at Pear Tree.
Pear Tree Infant School

Good stuff baby and "A DONF" comme d'habitude. You are fantastic! xxx Y. Dublin
Yannick Charrier

I should like to send congratulations on behalf of all the Bentley household on your amazing achievement, DAME Ellen.
Chris Bentley, Belper.

Fantastic,Well done, there are not enough words to express the magnitude of what you have done. I always thought you'd make it.
Jules Burdall

Just incredible. It brought tears of joy to my eyes!
Rachel, Norwich

May I add my congratulations to all the others that Ellen receives and say she is an inspiration to young people throughout Britain and the world. She has her goals and rather than sit back goes out and achieves them. What a wonderful person she is.
Andrew Grant

Congratulations Ellen - well done - you've really put Derbyshire on the map now
Margaret Reid - Long Eaton

Congratulations Ellen we knew you,d do it. Marion and Gav. SHELTON LOCK
Marion and Gavin

Outstanding!! What more can we say. We've followed you all the way and can't begin to express our pide in you and your team........From a small family in Matlock.
Valerie , Andrew, Abigail and Katherine Holmes

My warmest congratulations Ellen. What a great and wonderful achievement! I'm French and as so many of my countrymen, I'm proud of you. All the best for your future challenges. Enjoy your pleasure and your back home. God bless you.
Henri

well done ellen what an acheivement
Hannah Jeffery Cornwall

Congratulations Ellen on a great achievement, you are an inspiration. Enjoy the moment.
Jan & Shirley, Derby

An absolutely fantastic achievement. an inspiration to us all. Well done!
Neil Godson

Have been following your pursuit of the record since fifth day out -- both gripping and inspirational as I've begun a new endeavor of my own (new job, new city). This is a great victory for you and for the tech crew that supported your run; thanks so much for your courage and your can-do attitude! I'll bem telling my nieves and nepheews for years that I was privileged to watch it all unfold online.
Angela G.

What can I say, but brilliant. You have kept me on tender hooks all through the last couple of months. You deserve this so much. well done to you, you inspire so many people
dorinda.james@courtaulds.com

What can we say but congratulations! You are an inspiration to us all. Enjoy a well-earned rest.
Julie

Congratulations Ellen I have followed your quest from day one and sometimes had my heart in my mouth,although I now live in Canada Derby has and always will be my home,its refreshing to see a young lady such as yourself to achieve a goal that appears to many to be unattainable, well done, having spent many days down in the Southern Ocean,and south Atlantic,I fully understand the strain you were under,and I was in a much bigger vessel,once again Ellen well done,you make an old salt like myself proud. Best Regards Dave
Dave Miller

A huge congratulations from Long Eaton you deserve the rest well done.
Maria and Richard Long Eaton

Crongratulations!You're fantastic!God bless.
Brenda Mcateer Burton-on-Trent

Many, many congratulations on your record breaking achievement. A testament to your strength of character and endurance. An example to us all.
Peter Dwyer

Ellen, Just seen coverage of you passing finishing line. CONGRATULATIONS ON A REMARKABLE ACHEIVEMENT.
Leashaw Garage, Holloway

Welcome home Ellen just started night shift and just seen the news I am proud of you and to be British.
Maria

Ellen, What a wonderful achievement. I admire your courage. Best Wishes always.
Pauline Kinderman Belper, Derbys.

Keep going, nearly home now!!! You're brilliant!! You know you can do it!!
Calladine family, Kilburn, Derbyshire

Absolutely Inspirational! almost there, what a fantastic achievement. You deserve all the accolades you are most certainly going to get.
Brian Minion

GREAT RESULT! WILL BE TUNED TO RADIO DERBY IN THE MORNING
Dave Durose

Followed you all the way, I think you are a brave and wonderful woman.
Eric Salt. Weston . Stafford.

Well done Ellen Not Far Now, nearly there, please God keep her going just wish I could see the finish . Tony
Tony Love

You can do ,God Bless ,and lots of love
Clyde from Durban South Africa

You are a brave lass and all of Derbyshire is so proud of you. Well done !!
Margaret Turner

What an achievement Ellen, You are an inspiration to so many people, you are nearly there and I wish you success and safety on this and all your future challenges.
Peter Harrison

Come on Ellen beat that record you can do it race through that finish line you know that you can do it. Good Luck and god bless you.
Michael Hall

you really are SUPERWOMAN!!what you have achieved and endured is totally beyond the comprehension of ordinary people like me.well done,Ellen,Britain is so proud of you. Love chris
chris redman

U R just a brilliant & courageous young lady & must now rate as one of sailings all time greats.How does Francis Drake, Christopher Columbus & Ellen MacArthur grab you.
Malc, Castle Donongton

What courage - an inspiration to us all.God Bless you, Eellen.
Chris, Duffield

Good Luck Ellen Hope you do it Gal All the best
MICHAEL HOWARD NOTTINGHAM

HELLO ELLEN,MY MAMMA IS SENDING YOU THIS MESSAGE BECAUSE I AM ONLY 6 YEARS OLD,I THINK YOU ARE A VERY BRAVE LADY,I HAVE ASKED JESUS TO TAKE CARE OF YOU AND BRING YOU HOME SAFE,I LOVE YOU AND WOULD LIKE TO MEET YOU AND HAVE A POSTER THAT YOU HAVE GOT YOUR NAME ON LIKE MY COUSIN MATTHEW BRADLEY,I AM SURE JESUS WILL HELP YOU,LOVE JOSHUA.XXXXX
JOSHUA HALLSWORTH.BELPER

the end is in sight,keep going,we knew you could do it,enjoy your reception then enjoy a long rest.you deserve it
jan +fans derby

Fantastic Ellen, not far now - good luck.
Dave Headon - Bonsall

Ellen you are truly an inspirational and amazing person.Wishing you the best of luck on this last leg.Be safe
Tania Browes

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and the weather. You are very much admired for the amount of time and effort you put into these missions. We are all behind you. Good Luck
Dawn

I don't know how you do it or where you muster such will. Good on ya!!
Tom, Sligo

Your achievements so far are amazing. Well done - whatever the outcome.
Amanda, Matlock

Hi, Ellen Yesterday our hearts went out to you as we heard your broadcast, so near and yet so far. We've been out all day and were thrilled to catch the late evening news telling us that your fighting spirit was keeping you on top - we know you can do it - and we'll all be watching the telly to cheer you on tomorrow!
Judy Newton-Davies

I wish you all the luck in the world ,even with your skill your going to need it , your a great inspiration to the youth of the world , I like millions of others will be watching your progress with baited breath. Dame Kelly's efforts are nothing to what you have to endure may you also finish with gold God Bless
Dave Claxton , Oundle, Northants

As the crow flies, tonight, (Sunday) you are very close to us here in France and my Derbyshire spirit is with you. Now you have less than 300 miles to go and your goal is in sight - all my fingers and toes are crossed for you. Good luck for the remainder of the journey. God speed. Wendy Sevier
Wendy Sevier

i know life is not always easy it can be cruel you just begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel and you are dragged back into the darkness and you have to begin the struggle again. keep your spirits up not long to go wish we could be on the finish line. our thoughts are always with you.
keith/ann/adam jones burton upon trent

Hi! For years when I was little I used to complain there was nothing with my name on it. It was all spelt wrong, but now I am 20, I have a small collection of pencils and the like. It seems there has been an upsurge in our name, with lots of small children being given it. Thanks for making our great name so popular!!!! :-)
Ellen Hartshorn

Wishing you all the very best for this last leg of your journey. We supply security software to B&Q asnd wish you a safe and secure return in a day or so. Paul
Paul Briggs of BindView & Camborne Cornwall

Go Ellen!!! we think you are fab. It obviously takes a woman to beat the record, we are sure you'll be home safe. TAKE CARE
Dot and Sally Jackson (PORTSMOUTH)

Go for it Ellen!, every one in Derbyshire, and Staffordshire wish you the best of luck, from a great admirer.Bryan
Bryan J Woolley

Come on Helen, you are a true inspripation to use all !! Good luck on your last hard final push If you are ever in Scotland the drinks are on me !! regards morris jones P.S i dont sail !!!!!
morris jones ballater scotland

We are not boat peaople Ellen but we admire your coutage.Keep going. Good Luck and God Bless you
Sid &Millie Thomas

Not long now we are all following the last stretch holding our breath!!Whatever happens you have made everyone so proud
The Meredith family, New Mills, Derbs

All the best, Ellen, as you enter the 'last lap', so to speak. Even though some journalists spout nonsense about 'failing' should the record not come about, let me tell you that in no way have you 'failed' no matter what happens.
Chris Bentley, Belper

my prayers are with you . you are great .it is not long to finish.so keep going.love
ranjan patel

Keep on going (quickly !!), you are an inspiration to all the youngsters who long for adventure in today's world
Neil Elaine Gemma & Ross Burlison

Just cheering you on Ellen.Good Luck.
Ann Briddock

well done Ellen! Keep going you can do it.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mr Colin Picken. Ambergate.

Good Luck Ellen. Thinking of you and wishing you lots of luck. We are all proud of you.
Lesley Alldis

go ellen u can doo it!
chris from willington

GOOD LUCK ELLEN,YOU CAN DOIT,WE'RE ALL PULLING FOR YOU,YOU'R OUR HERO.
BILL NOTTINGHAM

Good wishes Ellen,keep bashing on,you'll do it. From "Algerines Ass Aye.
"Slinger Wood"

just do it & give it your best shot, we are all behind you all the best, steve&elaine Trowell,Notts
steve bratby

Come on Ellen, show 'em what a "meere" Derby Lass can do!!! We shall have a drink to celebrate your undoubted success. Janet and Steve.
Steve and Janet Allsopp. Derby.

You have inspired me! My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the winds of good fortune bring you safely home and you beat the record.What an achievement so far!
Pam white East molesey

What a fantastic example you are for the rest of us, Break the record Helen for yourself and Derbyshire and let's see you at Pride Park Stadium.
Brian from Ilkeston

Hello Ellen, You are one determined and courageous lady, and I hope that you get the record time for your journey round the world.You have been through a tough time on your high seas adventure. Hope you like the following poem. Love from Linda. Our Ellen.

Mighty waves and massive seas
And stormy cloudy skies
Pounding at our Ellen’s craft
Hitting lows and highs.

Sometimes the weather has been calm
With time lost on the course
But then she’s picked up speed again
From natures powerful source.

She battles onward sailing well
with a courageous heart
to sail the globe at record speed
and rip the time apart.

Linda Knight.