Ellen MacArthur - Record breaking solo non-stop circumnavigation: 2005

She crosses the line, the fastest sailor on the planet.

2005: British sailor, Ellen MacArthur, became the fastest person in history to sail solo non-stop around the globe. On November 28, 2004, under starter's orders, she set sail from Ushant Island, off the coast of Brittany, on her 75-foot trimaran, B&Q Castorama. She had to be back in 72 days to beat the Frenchman's time; Francis Joyon's world record stood at 72d 22h 54' 22". She's off...the clock is ticking. On February 7, 2005, at 28 years old, she completed her 27,354 mile odyssey in 71d 14h 18' 33", taking over 1d 8h off the previous world record.

Into the Abyss…But sometimes in the darkest hell comes light and just as she needed this light, she passed the Falkland Islands and was overcome with emotion as she spotted Royal Navy sailors waving from the decks of their vessel, Union Jacks and St George flags strewn about the ship in her honour. The ship sounded its horn as Ellen ventured onwards and she regained some of her strength and determination.

...was made Dame of the British Empire, the youngest-ever recipient.

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Attribution: Rod Allday