ELLEN MacArthur's record-breaking trimaran has been bought by the Sultanate of Oman.
The Whatstandwell yachtswoman, who broke the world record for the solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005, said that parting company with the boat - renamed Musandam, after Oman's Musandam Peninsula - generated mixed emotions for her.
Dame Elle
n: "I feel huge pleasure, mingled with some sadness, that the trimaran is leaving for Oman, the sadness being that I will not be with her during the next chapter of her life, but the pleasure is knowing that she will be out on the ocean again, doing what she was built for.
"I would say that Musandam is a perfect boat to take to Oman, because, although fast, she is an amazingly seaworthy vessel and will look after all who sail on her.
"I am thrilled that her new skipper is Loik Gallon, a very close friend of eight years.
"We have been through a lot together and I have total faith in his abilities as a skipper.
"I hope she brings all good luck to her new sailors, just as she did to me."
The vessel began a three week voyage to its new home from Cowes,on the Isle of Wight, with a gun salute from the Royal Yacht Squadron.
It will head to the Omani capital, Muscat, where it will be used to help promote the Sultanate as a world class sailing destination and boost tourism.
Ellen's world record of was beaten earlier this year by Frenchman Francis Joyon, who reclaimed it with a new best of 57 days 13 hours 34 minutes and six seconds, some 14 days quicker than the British sailor's time.
