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MacArthur wins round island race MacArthur first round the island
(2 days later)
Dame Ellen MacArthur has won the Round the Island Race. Dame Ellen MacArthur was first to cross the line in the Round the Island Race.
More than 1,800 yachts started the annual yachting grand prix around the Isle of Wight which is open to professionals and hobby sailors. More than 1,800 yachts started the annual yachting grand prix around the Isle of Wight, which is open to professionals and hobby sailors.
The Extreme 40 catamaran skippered by Dame Ellen crossed the finish line at Cowes Yacht Haven in a time of just over four hours.The Extreme 40 catamaran skippered by Dame Ellen crossed the finish line at Cowes Yacht Haven in a time of just over four hours.
The Island Sailing Club's handicapping system meant the overall winner was Mark Taylor from West Sussex.
Mr Taylor, who is secretary of the South Coast One Design Class Association, picked up the Silver Gilt Roman Bowl in his 50-year-old yacht Marbella.
Most of the 14,500 sailors taking part are amateurs and are racing in aid of chosen charities.Most of the 14,500 sailors taking part are amateurs and are racing in aid of chosen charities.
The fastest vessels completed the 55 mile (88km) course in a few hours, while there is a cut-off point of 2200 BST for the rest to circumnavigate the island.The fastest vessels completed the 55 mile (88km) course in a few hours, while there is a cut-off point of 2200 BST for the rest to circumnavigate the island.
Alan Titchmarsh
Speaking after the race, Dame Ellen said: "It was a fantastic race.Speaking after the race, Dame Ellen said: "It was a fantastic race.
"It was an early start for everybody but the weather was great for us."It was an early start for everybody but the weather was great for us.
"I think this event is fantastic, at the end of the day how many events can you go and see 1,800 boats taking part, I think it's amazing.""I think this event is fantastic, at the end of the day how many events can you go and see 1,800 boats taking part, I think it's amazing."
The race was started at 0500 BST by Alan Titchmarsh who becomes High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight in 2008.The race was started at 0500 BST by Alan Titchmarsh who becomes High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight in 2008.