A newly discovered species of dinosaur with an eye-catching sail-like feature along its back has been officially named in honour of British yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur.
The herbivorous dinosaur, which roamed the floodplains of the Isle of Wight some 125 million years ago, has been named Istiorachis macarthurae. The name derives from the Greek for “sail spine” combined with MacArthur’s surname, acknowledging her record-breaking achievements on the seas.
The fossil remains were first uncovered by local fossil hunter Nick Chase, who died in 2019. For years, the bones were thought to belong to one of two known iguanodontian species found on the island. However, detailed analysis by Dr Jeremy Lockwood, an island-based scientist, revealed that the bones represented an entirely new species.
“While the skeleton wasn’t as complete as some others, no-one had really taken a close look before,” Dr Lockwood explained. “This one had unusually long neural spines, which suggested a sail-like structure on its back. It may have been used for display, much like a peacock’s feathers, to attract mates or to deter rivals.”
The discovery was confirmed after researchers compared the specimen against a database of fossilised dinosaur vertebrae. This allowed them to better understand how such dramatic back structures evolved among prehistoric species. The fossils are now on display at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown.
Dame Ellen MacArthur, who famously became the fastest person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 2005, said she was “hugely honoured” by the tribute.
“It is certainly not an everyday occurrence to be asked if a newly discovered dinosaur could reference your name in its title,” she said. “I was somewhat taken aback at first, but I feel enormously privileged. The fact that the Istiorachis ‘sail’ could be likened to the sails I have spent so much of my life beneath is very touching.”
Born in Derbyshire, MacArthur is also the founder and patron of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, based in East Cowes, which supports young people recovering from cancer.
For scientists and local heritage experts, the naming represents not only a significant paleontological find but also a celebration of human achievement. The Isle of Wight is often referred to as Britain’s “dinosaur capital,” with numerous fossil discoveries made along its coastline.
Dr Lockwood described the naming as “fitting,” both for the distinctive features of the dinosaur and for MacArthur’s enduring maritime legacy. “This discovery shows us once again how rich the Isle of Wight’s fossil record is,” he said. “And linking it to someone whose life has been so defined by sails feels very appropriate.”
With the addition of Istiorachis macarthurae, the Isle of Wight continues to stand as one of the most important sites for dinosaur discoveries in Europe, offering both scientific insight and cultural resonance.
