MacArthur, Ellen (1976– )

English sailor who in 2005 broke the world record for sailing solo non-stop around the world. She completed the 43,450 km/27,000-mi course in less than 72 days, beating the existing record by more than a day. In 2000, she came first in the mono-hull class in the Europe1 New Man STAR single-handed transatlantic race, and in 2001 she became the youngest person and the fastest woman to sail around the world alone, finishing second in the Vendée Globe around-the-world race.

Involved with sailing from an early age, MacArthur sailed around Britain in 1995 at age 18 in a 34-m/21-ft yacht. She was voted British Young Sailor of the Year for her achievement, and two years later finished 17th in the Mini Transat solo race across the Atlantic, completing the course in 33 days. She was made a Dame in February 2005.