MacArthur grabs top honour

Ellen: Honoured for her record-breaking Vendee race

Ellen MacArthur has been named female world sailor of the year by the International Sailing Federation (Isaf).

The 25-year-old Briton won the award at a ceremony in Lisbon.

Robert Scheidt claimed the men's prize.

The presentation, hosted by 1996 Olympic gold-medallist Mateusz Kusznierewicz, was attended by IOC president Jacques Rogge and Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio.

It is an award that comes from many different countries and that, in itself, makes it incredibly special

Ellen MacArthur

But MacArthur was unable to collect her award in person.

She is currently sailing the Atlantic in the Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Havre to Brazil.

And is battling at the front of that field in Foncia-Kingfisher, a speedy multi-hull that she crews with Frenchman Alain Gaultier.

"I think it's hard to put into words how you feel when you're put up for an award like that," MacArthur told BBC Sport Online after crossing the Equator on Tuesday.

"For a start, it is an award that comes from many different countries and that, in itself, makes it incredibly special.

"You kind of feel: 'How can it possibly be me?'"

Ellen sprang to fame for her intrepid endeavours in the 2000-2001 Vendee Globe.

Scheidt duels with Ainslie in Sydney

She finished second in that race, but became the fastest woman to circumnavigate the globe single-handed.

She went on to co-skipper Kingfisher to victory in the EDS Atlantic Challenge and was navigator on Gaultier's winning Foncia-Kingfisher in the Challenge Mondial Assistance.

A leading contender for Sports Personality of the Year, MacArthur is quick to credit other for her success.

"A nomination of me for an award is a nomination for my team, sponsors and supporters over the years," she said.

"Whilst I may race often on my own, it is a great team effort to get to the starting line ready to compete."

World-renowned Brazilian sailor Scheidt took top honours in the male category.

He continues to dominate the Laser Class, winning his fifth world championship title in seven years in 2001.

Scheidt struck Olympic gold in 1996 and added silver - behind Great Britain's Ben Ainslie - in Sydney in 2000.