Sailing: MacArthur takes stock in calm seas

Stuart Alexander
Monday 24 January 2005 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Calm conditions gave Ellen MacArthur time to give her trimaran, B&Q, a thorough check yesterday including a third climb up the mast. But she also completed 190 miles in 24 hours as she attempts to become the fastest solo sailor round the world. Still, as expected, she slipped slightly behind her target schedule.

Calm conditions gave Ellen MacArthur time to give her trimaran, B&Q, a thorough check yesterday including a third climb up the mast. But she also completed 190 miles in 24 hours as she attempts to become the fastest solo sailor round the world. Still, as expected, she slipped slightly behind her target schedule.

MacArthur needs to cross the finish line off Ushant, an island off the coast of France, by 9 February to return in triumph to Falmouth. But the miles achieved by the current record-holder, Francis Joyon, over the equivalent 12 days were no better than modest, apart from a couple of big days at the end. MacArthur said: "I seem to have found some kind of inner peace and I feel surprisingly good. The weather could not be worse - we're sailing at four knots."

In the single-handed Vendée Globe round-the-world race, Mike Golding is 111 miles adrift of the leader, Vincent Riou. Both Golding and the second-placed Jean le Cam, 30 miles ahead, have been eating into Riou's lead and, with 2,000 miles to go, there is now every sign of a close-fought finish.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in