Origins & Early Life

Dame Ellen Patricia MacArthur (born 8 July 1976) is an English retired sailor and charity founder. On 7 February 2005, she broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe, a feat which gained her international renown. She held the record until early 2008. Following her retirement from professional sailing on 2 September 2010, MacArthur announced the launch of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity that works with business and education to promote a circular economy.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

MacArthur was born in Whatstandwell near Matlock in Derbyshire. She acquired her early interest in sailing by her desire to emulate her idol at the time, Sophie Burke. MacArthur first came to general prominence in 2001 when she finished second in the Vendée Globe solo round-the-world sailing race in her Owen Clarke/Rob Humphreys designed Kingfisher (named after her sponsors, Kingfisher plc). She was subsequently appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport. At 24, she was the youngest competitor to complete the voyage.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 2007 MacArthur headed up BT Team Ellen, a three-person sailing team which includes...

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