Ellen MacArthur: Solo Around the World

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• Primary Education

Ellen MacArthur: Sailing Solo Around the World

Do you know who Ellen MacArthur is and what she achieved?

What Will You Learn?

At the end of the lesson you will:

Know who Dame Ellen MacArthur is

Understand her amazing solo sailing journey

Be able to explain what made her a significant explorer.

Who is Ellen MacArthur?

Ellen MacArthur grew up loving boats and sailing.

She started her first solo adventure as a teenager, dreaming of sailing around the world.

Breaking World Records

In February 2005, at the age of 28 Ellen sailed solo around the world in 71 days, breaking the world record.

Her journey was 26, 000 miles long!

She faced extreme weather, tough seas, and lots of challenges alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcIDzLOcZaY

Key Challenges on Her Journey

How She Overcame them

Difficulties she faced

She stayed calm

She solved problems

She kept her spirits up even when she was tired and alone.

Ellen faced storms, huge waves, and cold weather.

She had to fix problems on the boat all by herself.

She suffered many injuries.

Key Challenges on Her Journey

Key Challenges on Her Journey

Mini Timeline: Ellen’s Voyage

Create your own timeline by recording the challenges Ellen faced on her record breaking journey.

Zac Sunderland

On 16th July 2019 Zac, from America, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. He was 17 years old.

He was the first person in history to successfully complete a solo global circumnavigation before reaching the age of 18.

Compare: Ellen & Zac Sunderland

Both sailed solo around the world

Both showed bravery and skill

Both faced loneliness and had to overcome challenges alone

Similarities

Ellen was older and aimed for the fastest record

Zac was younger and the first teenager to do it

Differences

Reflect: Qualities of a Great Explorer

Think about what made Ellen so successful.

Was it courage, resilience, skill, or determination?

Share your ideas with a partner.

What Have You Learnt?

Can you summarise Ellen MacArthur’s achievement?

Which of her challenges do you find most impressive?

Share your thoughts with the class.