Ellen MacArthur broke the solo round-the-world record in February, navigating her trimaran B&Q to a successful finish off Ushant, France, and Lizard, England, for a total time of 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes 33 seconds. The previous record was beat by a scant 1 day 8 hours, which was set by Frenchman Francis Joyon last year, a feat that prompted Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to surmise at the time that the record would stand for years to come.
MacArthur slept an average 30 minutes at a stretch and just four hours a day. Her solo journey reportedly included the worst storms of her sailing career, a severe burn caused by contact with her generator, and at least two trips up the tri’s towering mast.
