Sailing: MacArthur rules out race repeat

Ellen MacArthur has ruled out doing another Vendee Globe race in 2004 as she intends to take a shot at being the fastest ever around the world.

MacArthur, who finished second behind David Beckham in the BBC’s recent Sports Personality of the Year poll, will shun the solo event in favour of readying herself for the Jules Verne Trophy in 2003.

She said: ‘‘It is true that sailing the Globe is very special, but I won’t do the next Vendee in 2004.

‘‘My objectives remain focused elsewhere and it is a tough race to do twice in a row. I want to take a team of people on a catamaran to be the fastest round the world in 2003.

‘‘It will take a team of 10 to 12 people to sail it and it really is racing on the edge in the southern ocean.’’