MacArthur wins transatlantic race

British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur today won a solo transatlantic race ending a dramatic and tense fortnight at sea.

The 26-year-old came first in the Route du Rhum race crossing the finish line in Guadaloupe, French West Indies, at 2.16am (Irish time) today.

It is the second time that MacArthur, from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, has won her class in the race – in 1998 she won the class two monohull race.

Today in her yacht Kingfisher, she fought off competition from 58 other yachts to win the 60ft monohull class.

A Kingfisher spokesman said: “Ellen and Kingfisher have won the monohull class in the Route du Rhum single-handed transatlantic race.

Surrounded by an armada of spectator yachts, Ellen glided across the Pointe-a-Pitre finish line to complete the race in 13 days, 13 hours and 47 minutes.

“This is an important victory for Ellen. Time for some Moet & Chandon Champagne.”

Last night her 86-mile lead over fellow Briton Mike Golding, from Hamble, Hants, in Ecover, looked in doubt as weather forecasts predicted a lull in winds trapping her 100 miles from the finishing lines.

But the winds never gave up on the 5ft 3in yachtswoman and she was able to sail to victory in the race that set off from St Malo in France on November 9.

The contest has been full of drama for MacArthur as she has had to cope with 90mph winds in a violent storm midway across the Atlantic.

MacArthur also last week had to reverse her yacht after the rudder became snagged on an underwater object losing her valuable time.

MacArthur said: “That was one hell of a race. The stress levels were hardly ever below maximum. I could not have given any more, the intensity has been extraordinary.

“I cannot say that that was easier than a Vendée (Globe race), it has taken every ounce of mental and physical energy that I possess.

“Mike (Golding, Ecover) sailed a fantastic race, pushed us both to our limits and beyond. I am disappointed for him, but of course elated to have held on to the lead.

“The final miles were tense. I share this victory with the team that helped me here.

“I didn’t get here alone though. This result is due to the hours of hard work and dedication of my team ashore, before and during the race, and a great team of technical partners.”