Ellen tri to launch at London Boat Show

Launch to be broadcast around the world

At the opening of the Southampton Boat Show, MacArthur announced that the official launch of her new 75ft B&Q/Castorama trimaran will take place in Sydney, but will be broadcast directly into the Schroders London Boat Show on the opening day.

The images of the launch will be broadcast on a giant screen at the heart of the show at the new EXCEL venue in the Docklands, London. "The Schroders London Boat Show has been an important part of my life - it's hard to remember a time when I have not been here since 1996 when my first boat Iduna was in the central pool after my round Britain adventure. I have a strong emotional attachement with this show but this time I will be on the other side of the world launching, what I hope will be, my next great adventure."

All the main components of the Nigel Irens designed trimaran are nearing completion at the Boatspeed construction facility north of Sydney, Australia. The port float has been closed and the longitudinals and frames that are bonded into the top half have now be bonded into the bottom half. The front beam has been fitted together with the bulkheads in place so is structurally complete. The 40-strong team have completed the outer halves of the front section of the back beam and are now completing the back halves before piecing this together. Work continues on the main hull from the bow back - the bow crumple zone is fitted and the daggerboard and centreboard casings are in place.

The countdown to the official launch begins from today with 118 days to go until the 8th January: "We are delighted that the launch of the trimaran will take place at the Schroders London Boat Show providing a spectacular centrepiece to on the opening day at our brand new venue," said Robin Stoakley, Managing Director Schroders UK Retail.