Aviva Ocean Racing: Dee regains her stolen day
30 December, 2008
British yachtswoman Dee Caffari today regained a day of her life as she sails east-about the world in the Vendee Globe yacht race. The solo yachtswoman crossed the International Date Line in the early hours of this morning and in doing so gains back a day she lost sailing the "wrong" way around the world on the Aviva Challenge in 2005/06.
Caffari is continuing her tussle for 10th position with race rival Arnaud Boissieres, currently there is just one mile to the finish separating the two skippers.
Dee's latest diary received on Tuesday 30 December at 7.45am GMT:
"Well I have checked my watch and then checked it again as I am now confused.
"In the early hours of this morning I crossed the date line and now sail in a westerly longitude that is decreasing. This now means that it is yesterday once more. After sailing across the date line three times now in the last four years, it is great to finally get a day back in my life again.
"If you are confused, don't be. It is a little complicated so to avoid any time calculations I keep Aviva in UTC so my time is the same as at home. This makes life easy for weather files and communications; however it really does confuse the stomach as to what meal it should be consuming.
"The Pacific has so far been kind with smoother seas and fair winds but not very nice weather to match. I have spent lots of time in mist and fog and general drizzle which emphasises the greyness of the Southern Ocean. I am slowly making my way towards the next ice gate that should be my New Year's present to myself."
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.
