Ellen sets sail again

Departure from the Falklands, but this time singlehanded

Since arriving at Mare Harbour on the eastern island of the Falklands last Sunday , Castorama B&Q skipper Ellen MacArthur and her team headed up by Technical Director, Neil Graham, who flew to the Falklands to meet the trimaran on its arrival, have been preparing the new 75ft trimaran for her first solo voyage. This is Ellen's first solo voyage since the solo transatlantic Route du Rhum race in November 2002.

The weather forecast for the departure predicts clear skies but strong winds up to 45 knots. MacArthur will head out into the South Atlantic tonight to navigate up the South American coastline on the first part of her return trip. It will be another testing time for both skipper and boat, as they face the light and upwind conditions of the South Atlantic.

"Our stay here in the Falklands has been just fantastic. We have been totally welcomed and made to feel very much at home. Although we have been busy checking and preparing the boat before I leave, we have had some time to see the Islands themselves.
The sights have been beautiful and remind me a lot of the north west of Scotland. The nature and the landscape is breathtaking, I have loved my time here and can't wait to see the coastline from on board B&Q when I leave. The boat itself is looking in good shape. There have been a few small things to fix on board, but the testing has gone well and I am really looking forward to getting back out to sea. This really has been the moment I've been looking forward to for some time now. The short stopover here in the Falklands has been great and given me a chance to relax before setting off. I feel really good about the trip ahead and I can't wait to get out there with the boat on my own, seeing how both she and myself work together."

ellen x

At present it isn't clear whether Ellen is planning to bring the boat back to Europe or will head straight for the US prior to making an attempt on the singlehanded west to east transatlantic record.