ELLEN MACARTHUR WELCOMES FRANCIS JOYON IN BREST
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Article Date: 2008-01-21
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“It couldn't have gone to anyone better,” said Ellen MacArthur in Brest, welcoming Francis Joyon who magnificently broke her solo round-the-world record, established in 2005. Joyon, who had been the first man to complete a non-stop circumnavigation in 2004, had the following year lost his crown to Ellen MacArthur, but yesterday set a staggering new benchmark time of 57 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes and 6 seconds.
“It's just huge,” commented Ellen when asked to describe Francis Joyon's feat. “I really had to give everything I had to beat his 2004 record, today he betters mine by 14 days. Amazing seamanship, ideal weather and a faster boat are the key factors, but above all I cannot express how much respect I have for the man,” said a visibly moved Ellen MacArthur.
It had already been a very emotional night for Ellen, who had set out on a press boat to be on the finish line which Francis crossed at 00:39 (French time). Sailing under reefed mainsail, the giant trimaran tore through the pitch dark Breton night, Joyon recapturing a record he had initially set in 2004. “I'm so happy for him…and so happy it's him!', said Ellen MacArthur, her eyes glistening with respect and admiration, as Francis and his team were lowering the sails and heading towards the boat's mooring. The skipper would spend the night on board, taking a few extra hours of tranquility before stepping ashore and being swallowed by the enthusiastic crowd eagerly waiting for his arrival. “The moments he is living are extremely precious,” Ellen added, “nothing really comes close.” And no one better than the British sailor can relate to what Francis has been going through during his journey.
Joining Francis on stage this morning after having flown over the IDEC trimaran, which left her mooring at 9:00, Ellen MacArthur wished to remain as discreet as possible, but was very warmly welcomed by the crowd - the French public being sincerely appreciative of her presence. Such was the case for Joyon too, and the hero of the day thanked her for being there before commenting: “Going after her record was a very tough challenge, and it's not something you'd do every two years. But then again, she had smashed mine, so I had to do something about it! I know how hard it had been for Ellen considering she bettered a reference time I really had to fight for in 2004, so when I set off I knew I was up against something really big. I'd never had dreamt of taking two weeks off her record,” concluded an exhausted Joyon before slipping away to join his family.
“Beyond sports and the stunning performance he's setting, this journey also was a way for him to send a message regarding the planet and its preservation: he only relied on clean energies and did not have an engine aboard his trimaran, and it brilliantly shows that it can actually be done. Sustainability, resources management and environmental issues are at the centre of my preoccupations, and the "clean" aspect of Francis's journey certainly adds to its value as far as I'm concerned,” concluded Ellen.
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