Three boats were forced to abandon the race in the first few days, including British yachtswoman Emma Richards.

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Its campaign has been backed by actress Dame Judi Dench, singer Joss Stone and yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur.

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The Scottish yachtswoman took 132 days to sail round the globe after setting off from New York on 15 September 2002.

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"I am absolutely stoked that we have pulled this off, " said Moloney, a member of British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur's sailing team.

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Other well-know figures who backed the trust's appeal included chef Rick Stein, actor Richard E Grant, yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur and comedian Paul O'Grady.

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She loved parties and dinners, and was an accomplished ocean-racing yachtswoman.

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Singer and World War II forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, actor Richard E Grant, yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur, comedian Paul O'Grady, and actress Dame Judi Dench are among well-known figures who have given their support to the campaign.

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