Ellen MacArthur

Dame Ellen MacArthur is a British sailor and environmentalist who became an international sensation after finishing second in the 2000–2001 Vendée Globe at just 24 years old. Born on July 8, 1976, in Whatstandwell, Derbyshire, she quickly rose from humble beginnings to become a global icon of courage, speed, and endurance. Her performance in the Vendée Globe earned her worldwide acclaim, making her the fastest woman to sail solo around the world at the time and the youngest competitor to ever reach the podium in the race’s history. She later broke the solo non-stop round-the-world record in 2005 aboard the trimaran *B&Q/Castorama*, completing the journey in just 71 days. In 2010, Ellen MacArthur retired from professional sailing to found the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which promotes circular economy principles and sustainability. Her transition from elite sports to global activism has inspired a new generation of change-makers. With numerous honors—including being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire—MacArthur’s legacy is both nautical and planetary. She is a pioneer in solo ocean racing and a leading advocate for environmental innovation.