Ellen MacArthur: A Record-Breaking Sailor’s Biography

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• Ellen MacArthur is a retired British sailor who is best known for breaking the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005.
• She first became interested in sailing at the age of 8 when she saved up for her first boat, a small dinghy called Threpenny Bit.
• Ellen MacArthur founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2010, which focuses on promoting the circular economy and sustainability.

• In 2008, she received the French Legion of Honour for her achievements in sailing.
• Ellen MacArthur was the youngest person to complete the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race in 2001.
• She has written two books about her sailing adventures: 'Taking on the World' and 'Full Circle'.

• Ellen MacArthur was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 for her services to sailing.
• She has a degree in Business and Economics from the Open University.
• Ellen MacArthur set up the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in 2003, a charity that supports young people in recovery from cancer through sailing.

• She was named British Yachtsman of the Year in 2001 and 2005.
• Ellen MacArthur holds the record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe on a multihull boat, completing the journey in just 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds.
• She retired from professional sailing in 2010 to focus on her foundation's work promoting sustainability.

• Ellen MacArthur was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005.
• She has been awarded numerous honorary degrees from universities around the world for her contributions to sailing and sustainability.
• Ellen MacArthur has been a speaker at the World Economic Forum and other international conferences on sustainability and the circular economy.

• She was inspired to pursue a career in sailing after meeting French sailor Philippe Jeantot, who won the Vendee Globe in 1990.
• Ellen MacArthur has been inducted into the World Sailing Hall of Fame for her achievements in the sport.
• She has received the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports in 2005 and the Laureus World Sports Award for Alternative Sportsperson of the Year in 2006.

• Ellen MacArthur was the first woman to hold the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe.
• She has been involved in various sustainability initiatives, including launching the New Plastics Economy initiative to reduce plastic waste in the oceans.