Great to be back

Despite blizzard conditions, the Island pulled out all the stops to ensure its favourite daughter received a five-star reception.

Schoolchildren were given the day off to mark Ellen's homecoming and were among thousands who lined Cowes Parade as she sailed triumphantly past in her record-breaking multihull B&Q before stepping ashore to be mobbed by well-wishers.

Once on dry land, she became only the second person behind Ryde-born Oscar-winning film director Anthony Minghella to be granted the Freedom of the Island.

The ceremonial honour - which allows her special permission to be able to drive sheep though Cowes town centre - was bestowed on her by Isle of Wight Council chairman Peggy Jarman.

She said: "I do hope you will be able to carry the name of the Isle of Wight on your travels and any further adventures in the future."

Well-wishers paid their own tributes. Orry Crews, 16, of Cowes, said: "I am proud to be an Islander today. Ellen has really put Cowes back on the sailing map."

Sally Pitcher, 45, of Baring Road, Cowes, said: "What Ellen did was a fantastic achievement and has been great for women. To look at she is only a small person but she has a huge presence, determination and strength.

"Most people only dream about sailing around the world and it takes someone with enormous courage and strength to do it."

Sue Quarrie, who travelled to Cowes from Sway in the New Forest, said: "I was happy to make the short crossing to be here and welcome Ellen. What she has done is special for Cowes. She is a wonderful person and it is awesome what she has achieved."

Ellen, who was happy to mingle with well-wishers, said: "The last two weeks have been extraordinary, almost as extraordinary as the two months that proceded them.

"To come home to Cowes just feels absolutely fantastic. I mean, how many people get to come home to a reception like this?"

She told the crowds: "Thank you for making today so special. I don't think any of us would have imagined the welcome we have received today with so many boats, so many people and the number of schoolchildren out on the boats who welcomed us in. It was out of this world, extraordinary.

"The one thing that does pull you on when you are out there, when the chips are down is thinking about the end when you are back home. There are some very difficult moments but that is all part of it."

Ellen was then whisked across the River Medina estuary to Venture Quays, the East Cowes business centre where her Offshore Challenges company is based, for a reception hosted by the Isle of Wight Council.

She revealed that she would take some time to reflect on her achievement before being united with B&Q for a bid to break the solo transatlantic crossing record B&Q.

For more on Ellen MacArthur's record-breaking voyage go to our dedicated sailing site 'Sail Solent' at: www.sailsolent.co.uk - or click the link on the homepage.