In finishing second in the tough and tiring event MacArthur also became the fastest woman to go around the globe and only the second person to complete the voyage in less than 100 days.
MacArthur's feats in the Vendee Globe made her famous around the world, but the 24-year-old didn't stop there.
World champion sailor
She continued to take part in other races, and her overall success in the year 2001 also saw her crowned sailing world champion.
And the awards keep coming. On Wednesday MacArthur will be given an MBE (Member of the British Empire) by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
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