1:32am UK, Tuesday February 08, 2005

Ellen MacArthur says she is "absolutely overjoyed" after becoming the fastest person to sail single-handedly non-stop around the world.

Ellen: Record breaker

After 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds, the yachtswoman beat the clock with plenty of time to spare.

MacArthur, from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, needed to finish before 7.04am on Wednesday morning.

But the 28-year-old crossed the line around one day and nine hours ahead of the deadline, set last year by Francois Joyon.

An exhausted MacArthur radioed back to her team telling them it had been an "absolutely unbelievable voyage, both physically and mentally and it's going to take a long time to reflect on it".

After being sprayed with champagne in celebration, her team manager told Sky News: "She's done an awesome job."

MacArthur has been sent "warmest congratulations" by the Queen, and Prime Minister Tony Blair has said in a statement: "This is a stunning achievement. The whole country is very proud of Ellen."

MacArthur's 75ft trimaran B&Q was doing 13 knots when it crossed the line at Ushant, France.

Her team is to take over from her to sail B&Q back to Falmouth in Cornwall, where she will receive a hero's welcome tomorrow afternoon.

Getting her record did not come easily for MacArthur. She battled gales, icebergs and technical difficulties and has been left with burns to her arms and bruises after being forced to climb the 90ft mast.

Prince Charles has sent her a note of congratulations, saying: "We have all watched your progress with the greatest possible excitement over the last 71 days and our sense of relief at having you home, and pride in your record-breaking achievement, are boundless."