MacArthur's feat in photos

1 of 13 A flotilla of well wishers turns out to send MacArthur on her way off the north coast of France on 28 November

2 of 13 Before long, the 28-year-old Briton is speeding away on her boat B&Q with the small matter of 27,000 miles to sail

3 of 13 Ellen has "luxurious" living quarters, complete with bunk, chart table and one of the smallest kitchens in the world

4 of 13 MacArthur has an on-board satellite phone and state-of-the-art equipment to help her plot the best course

5 of 13 But there is no avoiding the cold weather of the feared Southern Ocean and Christmas is spent in a huge storm

6 of 13 There is cause for celebration on 12 January when Ellen rounds Cape Horn - one of the most notorious milestones

7 of 13 But any thoughts of plain sailing back to Europe are dashed when MacArthur's mainsail needs attention - this requires a high and dangerous climb

8 of 13 Concentration is etched on Ellen's face as she shimmies up the mast to patch up the damage

9 of 13 But the brave Briton does not escape without a massive leg bruise - just one of the battle scars of the record attempt

10 of 13 With 300 miles to go on Sunday and approaching the Bay of Biscay, MacArthur is visited by HMS Liverpool

11 of 13 MacArthur was still facing tough conditions as she headed towards the finish line off the coast of Ushant

12 of 13 MacArthur is more relaxed as she prepares to complete the feat that secures her a place in sailing's pantheon

13 of 13 Her on-shore team celebrate after Ellen MacArthur crosses the finish line to enter the record books