MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Atlantic rendezvous for Ellen

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Gloucester has met up with round the world sailor Ellen MacArthur in the stormy South Atlantic west of the Falklands.

Ellen, in her trimaran B&Q, had just battled through one of the most dangerous maritime regions in the world off Cape Horn and had begun her northerly passage through the South Atlantic to the West of the Falkland Islands in winds gusting up to 50 knots.

HMS Gloucester is currently patrolling the Falkland Islands Area and was in an ideal position to rendezvous with Ellen as she sailed North. B&Q was located on January 13 by the ship's Lynx helicopter, who guided the Royal Navy destroyer on to a parallel course with Ellen's trimaran. Following the initial contact with the Lynx aircrew, the Commanding Officer, Commander Russ Tuppen Royal Navy spoke to Ellen on VHF radio.

Commander Tuppen said, "This is a proud moment for HMS Gloucester and all those in the Falkland Islands. Ellen left the start line off Ushant on the same day as Gloucester, in November 2004, and it is a privilege for us to be able to rendezvous with her. As Ellen sails north on her record-breaking attempt to circumnavigate the world, it has been an honour to offer her some moral support and we wish her luck, success and Bon Voyage. We look forward to seeing her again as we return home to Portsmouth in March.

As the ship left Ellen and B&Q, in order to continue her patrol of the Falklands, Gloucester hoisted Flag Code Uniform Whisky on the Starboard outer yard-arm meaning, 'I wish you a pleasant voyage', leaving Ellen to continue on her way North East and home.

Ellen was also treated to a flypast by Falklands-based RAF aircraft which had been exercising with HMS Gloucester ? a VC10, a Hercules and two Tornado fighters. Ellen is no stranger to the Forces, having met the frigate HMS Iron Duke in early December on her way south in early December. It is hoped that she may meet with other Naval units, engaged in a variety of existing tasks, as she heads for the finishing line.(NN)