A Unique Tribute to a Sailing Legend

A remarkable new dinosaur species, sporting an "eye-catching sail" along its back, has entered the spotlight with a fitting tribute—it’s been named Istiorachis macarthurae after the celebrated sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur.

Unearthed Treasure on the Isle of Wight

This extraordinary dinosaur was discovered on the picturesque Isle of Wight, with its name highlighting both its distinctive sail-like spine and acknowledging Dame Ellen's legacy.

Dame Ellen's Heartfelt Response

The record-breaking yachtswoman described the honor as a "huge privilege," expressing her appreciation: "The resemblance between the Istiorachis 'sail' and the sails I've cherished throughout my life is incredibly touching."

From Bones to Discovery

Officially unveiled by island-based scientist Jeremy Lockwood, this dinosaur now graces the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown. Once a medium-sized herbivore, it roamed the lush floodplains of what is now the island's south-west coast, approximately 125 million years ago.

A Pioneer’s Passion and Legacy

The remains were initially discovered by the late fossil hunter Nick Chase, who passed away in 2019. Before Dr. Lockwood's in-depth analysis, these fossils were thought to belong to the known iguanodontian species.

An Unexpected Find

Dr. Lockwood explained, "Though the skeleton wasn't as complete as others found, it hadn’t received a thorough examination. Initially, it seemed like just another specimen until we noted its unusually long neural spines."

More than Just Bones

This fascinating feature might have played a role in display behaviors, potentially used to attract mates or assert dominance, much like the vibrant feathers of a peacock.

Scientific Exploration and Discovery

Researchers utilized a database of similar fossilized backbones to understand how these sail-like structures evolved over time.

A Lasting Connection Across Millennia

Dame Ellen also reflected on the surreal nature of her name being linked to a creature from 125 million years ago, stating, "It’s extraordinary and a huge honor for my family name to be associated with such a magnificent creature."

A Record-Breaking Sailor