MacArthur hails 'very special day'

Ellen MacArthur was due to face the world's media today after her record-breaking round-the-world voyage.

She crossed the finish line to a heroine's welcome at Les Sables d'Olonne last night as the fastest woman and youngest person to circumnavigate the Earth in a single-handed race.

After 94 days, four hours, 25 minutes and 40 seconds, she was overcome with emotion as she came into dock.

Looking exhausted but elated after the gruelling 24,000-mile race, the 24-year-old said it was a "very, very special day."

"Nothing ever prepared me for expecting anything like this. The worst moment is when I have to get off the boat. I do not want to have to say goodbye to her," she said.

She then burst into tears and kissed her yacht, Kingfisher, crying with her head resting on the top of the cabin.

The young adventurer from Derbyshire was greeted by a crowd of tens of thousands as she came into the harbour, many hanging off the harbour wall to catch a glimpse of the woman who is considered a heroine in France.

Her reception was even bigger than that for Vendee Globe yacht race winner Michel Desjoyeaux, who finished on Saturday.

Her parents, Ken and Avril, joined her on the boat for an emotional reunion as she made her way to the dockside.

Amid scenes of wild jubilation Ellen stepped ashore and was greeted by Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy, group chief executive of sponsor Kingfisher plc.

Clearly delighted to be reunited with her family and friends, she said: "I started the race on 9 November with one objective - finishing.

"I still can't believe that I managed to get second place, but my thoughts and prayers go out to those competitors who are still at sea.

"It is extremely tough, and I am relieved that I won't have to make any tactical decisions for a while."

She added: "I'm amazed at the encouragement and support that I've received from the public, and I can't ever begin to tell you how much difference it made to receive all their emails."

MacArthur will pick up £40,000 in prize money for her achievement.