Bollé and Bushnell partner up with Ellen MacArthur

At 10.29 p.m. February 7, 2005, Ellen MacArthur, testimonial for Bushnell Performance Optics, broke all previous records and became the fastest person to sail solo round the world. An extraordinary record: covering 26,000 miles in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds, Ellen has gone beyond what had previously been possible on the sea.

Ellen, skipper of the 75-foot trimaran B&Q, the equivalent of a Formula 1 car, sailed through the southern oceans, where the supremacy of gales and tempestuous is unchallenged. Icebergs, towering waves and intense cold are the real enemies in these bleakest parts of the ocean, and she knew that, unlike other boats, if the trimaran capsized it would never be righted again.

'We are very proud of Ellen. We could not have wished for a better testimonial. She represents ambition and modesty and she and her team have created a wonderful atmosphere. We are very pleased to have supported her on her record voyage', said Arnaud Van Robais, European President of Bushnell Performance Optics.

Bushnell Performance Optics has been supporting Ellen MacArthur and her team for 4 years and the skipper, who is passionate about life at sea, took part in the development of the products that went with her on her record-breaking journey:
- Swisher, the new polarized sunglasses by Bollé, incorporate hydrophobic technology in the lenses for superior vision, protecting at the same time from the scorching sun and from the glare of the white sails and the deck;
- Bushnell waterproof binoculars, Marine 7x50, with internal range-finder and illuminated compass;
- Bushnell waterproof night-vision visor, Seagull, to make out images in the dark and transform night into day.

As acknowledgment of her huge success, Ellen is the youngest woman to be made a Dame and she was also awarded the honorary rank of lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy. Ellen accepted the recognition on behalf of herself and her team.