sailing superwoman Ellen MacArthur is on the crest of a wave after she was made an MBE by the Queen.

The 24-year-old, who is the youngest and fastest yachtswoman to sail around the world, received the prestigious award yesterday at Buckingham Palace.

It is the third accolade this week for Ellen, who lives in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, after being voted second in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday and then scooping the title of Sportswoman of the Year at a glittering London lunch on Tuesday.

MacArthur's career got off to a flying start in 1995 when, at the age of 18, she sailed single-handedly around Britain.

She became the UK's most famous yachtswoman earlier this year when she competed and came second in the Vendee Globe - a 24,000-mile, single-handed sailing challenge against prevailing winds and tides. Ellen's path to stardom began at the age of eight when she took the controls of her aunt's boat on a night trip back from the Isle of Wight.

During the Vendee Globe she won the hearts of the nation for her display of bravery and courage in the southern seas, having to climb the mast to carry out essential repairs on a number of occasions.

She also battled sleep deprivation and a collision with a submerged container during more than 90 days alone at sea.

On her return to France at the end of the Vendee Globe she was greeted by the world's media and an army of new fans.