Royal honor for sailor MacArthur
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LONDON, England -- Record-breaking sailor Ellen MacArthur will receive a damehood, the female equivalent of a knighthood, the British government confirmed on Tuesday.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Tony Blair's office told the UK's Press Association: "We can confirm that the Queen has approved that Ellen MacArthur be appointed Dame in recognition of her record-breaking solo circumnavigation."
The 28-year-old, who already holds a a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award, is the youngest person, man or woman, to receive the highest royal honor.
MacArthur was told of the damehood as she arrived back at the southern English port of Falmouth, where thousands had gathered to welcome her home.
A flotilla of 80 boats joined her 25-meter trimaran for the final leg of her journey after she broke the record by crossing a finishing line between England and France late on Monday.
MacArthur completed the 27,000-mile journey in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds.
Earlier Queen Elizabeth had paid tribute to MacArthur, describing her voyage as a "remarkable and historic achievement."
"Your progress has been followed by many people in Britain and throughout the world, who have been impressed by your courage, skill and stamina," she said.
Several other British sailors have received the highest royal honor.
Naomi James received a damehood at age 29 in 1979. She was the first woman to sail solo around the world via Cape Horn.
In 1967, Francis Chichester received a knighthood after becoming the first person to sail solo around the world.
Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to go around the globe nonstop in 1968-9, got his knighthood in 1995.
Chay Blyth, the first person to sail around the world against the prevailing winds and currents in 1970-71, was knighted in 1997.
