Dee Caffari has crossed the Equator in her first solo ocean race, the Transat Ecover B to B, onboard her Open 60 yacht Aviva. Dee sailed back into the Northern Hemisphere at 6.19pm UTC yesterday in pursuit of the fleet ahead of her.
Dee Caffari has crossed the Equator in her first solo ocean race, the Transat Ecover B to B, onboard her Open 60 yacht Aviva. Dee sailed back into the Northern Hemisphere at 6.19pm UTC yesterday in pursuit of the fleet ahead of her. She has earmarked Rich Wilson onboard Great America III as her nearest rival and will be pushing hard to close the 15 mile gap between the two boats.
Dee is taking full advantage of the strong wind conditions she is currently experiencing and is delighted to have recorded one of the fastest boat speeds in the last polling. She polled an average speed of 12.3 knots some 3.5 knots faster than race leaders Gitana Eighty who are already some way into the notoriously sluggish conditions of the doldrums.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received 11.42pm UTC 3 December:
"Today has been a complete change from the tearful Dee that was sailing Aviva yesterday. I crossed the equator this evening and toasted Neptune by sharing my beloved Haribo sweets. I asked him for safe passage and all the help I can get. Watching the fleet, it is difficult not to follow but looking ahead at the weather to come when I reach their position, and with the doldrums being so active at present all of us are going to have a problem and I think following will only compound the problem. So I have elected for what I think will work. My fingers are crossed and my eyes are sore from looking at satellite pictures, but this race is all about learning and I currently have nothing to lose but lots to gain.
"The picture changes daily at the moment so I can just sail what I see. The route with the Azores high will be interesting; it is hard to imagine the cold winter weather that lies ahead whilst I am sweltering in the heat of the cabin. I just have to stay strong and focused and remember that every mile sailed now is a mile closer to the new Aviva [near completion in Hakes Marine, New Zealand]. I have learnt a lot about what I need to be doing onboard the new Aviva before I race her solo next year, so every mile is worthwhile."
Dee
-ends-
For further information contact:
Caroline Ayling
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2840
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
E-mail: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2862
Mobile: 07786 516570
E-mail: kellyr@karen-earl.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Aviva plc
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 2006.
Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £41.5 billion and assets under management of £364 billion at 31 December 2006.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.
2008/9 Vendée Globe qualification requires both the skipper and the boat entering the race to complete a solo qualification sail validated by the Vendée Globe race management of at least 1500 nautical miles, by 1 July 2008. The Transat Ecover B to B will qualify Dee and the current Aviva. However, she will be required to qualify the new Aviva that is currently under construction in Hakes Marine, New Zealand. She will be racing the new Aviva, sister ship to Mike Golding's new Ecover, in the 2008/9 Vendée Globe.
Aviva Ocean Racing Summary
After setting a world record last year sailing around the world against the prevailing winds and current, Dee Caffari's next ambition is to compete in the 2008/9 Vendée Globe and become the first woman to sail around the world, solo, in both directions.
Transat Ecover B to B
The 4,300-mile single-handed Transat Ecover B to B from Salvador de Bahia in Brazil to Port-La-Forêt, France is most important milestone of the Aviva Ocean Racing campaign to date. The race will be the first time that Caffari has raced solo and is the first time she'll be alone at sea since completing her record making round the world voyage. Despite being one of the least experienced Open 60 Skippers in the fleet, Caffari is determined to prove she can compete alongside some of the best sailors in the world.
Further information on Dee Caffari and her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign can be found at www.avivaoceanracing.com.