MacArthur's homecoming attracts the crowds

Crowds have gathered in the English port of Falmouth today to welcome sailor Ellen MacArthur home after her record-breaking voyage around the globe.

Thousands are expected to line the docks of the port in Cornwall to catch a first glimpse of the returning heroine, who smashed the solo non-stop round-the-world sailing record last night.

More than two months after she left the port to launch her record attempt, MacArthur is due to reach dry land again at 11am.

She set a new time of 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds, beating Frenchman Francis Joyon’s record by 1 day, 8 hours, 35 minutes and 49 seconds.

Thousands of people braved the cold last night to gather in front of a specially-erected television screen outside the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth.

As MacArthur crossed the finish line at 10.29pm last night, the crowd erupted in applause and champagne corks popped.

Early this morning a small crowd had assembled in Events Square, in front of the museum, ready to greet the triumphant yachtswoman.

MacArthur’s record-breaking success has captured the imagination of Falmouth, with shop windows throughout the town prominently displaying posters congratulating the young skipper on her achievement.

But many have travelled much further to celebrate her success, including a sizeable contingent from her home county of Derbyshire and hundreds of journalists from around the world.

Today she is expected to reach Pendennis Point at the entrance to Falmouth harbour aboard her 75ft trimaran B&Q at about 10am.

MacArthur and her shore crew, who went aboard the boat after she crossed the finishing line last night, will then drop the mainsail and the vessel will go under tow.

B&Q will come alongside Port Pendennis Marina, next to the museum, at about 11am and MacArthur will make a brief public appearance before holding a press conference in English and French.

MacArthur was catching up on some much-needed sleep below this morning as B&Q sailed towards a hero’s welcome in Falmouth.

At 9am, the boat was 14 miles south of the Cornish town being escorted by the fisheries patrol vessel HMS Severn.

Her shore crew were still aboard sailing the trimaran and the Royal Navy sent over a breakfast of bacon sandwiches to keep them going.

The estimated time of arrival in Falmouth, subject to the weather, is about 10.30am this morning.