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Aviva Ocean Racing: Caffari takes seventh

10 January, 2009

Dee Caffari's Vendee Globe race battle with Arnaud Boissieres continued yesterday as the solo skipper regained her lead over the Frenchman. The early morning reports show that Aviva has overtaken Akena Verandas and now lies in seventh place. The two boats are heading south east to the infamous Cape Horn in steady sailing conditions.

However, during a live video interview with Dame Ellen MacArthur at the London Boat Show yesterday, Caffari predicted that before rounding the notorious Horn she and Aviva would face a final Southern Ocean low pressure. She is taking the opportunity to rest now before sailing into the "Furious Fifties". 

Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received Friday 9 January, 7pm GMT:

To receive Dee's diary automatically, visit www.avivaoceanracing.com/rss to sign up for the RSS feed.

"Today began with passing the final ice gate. The remarkable thing about it is that I passed it alongside Akena. After all these miles we were able to see each other, it is incredible. We rounded the eastern end of the gate and then both pointed towards Cape Horn.

"I also called live into the London International Boat Show and spoke to Ellen, who knows only too well what it is like to be down here alone. It was cool to speak to her all be it briefly.

"Now I need to sleep while the conditions allow because we know from the weather files that it is going to get worse before I find sanctuary in the Atlantic."

Dee and Aviva

Aviva Ocean Racing summary
Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, who sailed into the record books in May 2006 by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents, is attempt her next "world first" by competing in the Vendée Globe yacht race. Caffari is attempting to become the first woman to sail solo and non-stop both ways around the world.

Further information on Dee Caffari and her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign can be found at www.avivaoceanracing.com.

-ends-

For further information and interview requests contact:

Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0) 7801 351950
E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com

Kelly Russell
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 516570
E-mail: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com  

Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com

Images: www.avivaoceanracing.com/images

Notes to editors:

Aviva is the leading provider of life and pensions to Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2007.

Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £49.2 billion and funds under management of £359 billion at 30 June 2008.

The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.

For broadcast-standard video, please visit our video section.

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