Dee Caffari started the Artemis Transat yesterday predicting an action-packed dash across the Atlantic and after only 24 hours the race had lived up to expectations for Aviva's solo skipper. Having passed the first official race gate, the Eddystone Lighthouse, only an hour behind then leader Loick Peyron (Gitana Eighty) Caffari faced a tough night in the busy and challenging shipping lanes of the English Channel.
- Caffari experienced a demanding first night racing onboard Aviva
- Thick fog challenged the solo skipper in the English Channel's busy shipping lanes
- A power system trip left Caffari with a temporary loss of radar signal
Dee Caffari started the Artemis Transat yesterday predicting an action-packed dash across the Atlantic and after only 24 hours the race had lived up to expectations for Aviva's solo skipper. Having passed the first official race gate, the Eddystone Lighthouse, only an hour behind then leader Loick Peyron (Gitana Eighty) Caffari faced a tough night in the busy and challenging shipping lanes of the English Channel.
Whilst the nation watched the weekend sun set, Caffari was making good ground but had to deal with descending fog and commercial ships passing from all directions. The fog was so thick at times the record-breaking skipper was unable to see the top of her 27 metre mast. Caffari endured additional frustration as her electrical power system tripped during the night leaving her with temporary loss of radar signal.
Andrew Roberts, Aviva Ocean Racing Campaign Director, explained this morning: "Whilst the power trip does not have a serious implication it's an extra concern for Dee. During the intense racing environment vigilance is required to avoid collisions with shipping, fishing boats and other race boats. The fog will have been quite frightening as sounds are distorted and racing a fast Open 60 in 10 knots of wind will have felt like doing 60 miles an hour down a country lane in thick fog."
-ends-
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on 12 May:
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"It's Monday morning and the good news is that I am now on my way to Boston on my first solo race sailing a boat I have only known for five months. My start was okay yesterday, not where I should have been on the line in an ideal world, but I am always nervous manoeuvring these boats in the final minutes.
"The light conditions plagued us as we reached the Eddystone Lighthouse and I had to concentrate hard to keep the boat moving. Just after the final hour of favourable tide had gone I reached the Lizard gate, I still had a few boats in sight but visibility was closing in fast. At one stage last night I could not see the top of my mast. Fog is spooky and I watched my radar well as there was still a lot of shipping close by.
"This morning there is about a boat length's visibility and I have already had my first test. I've had trouble with my electrical power onboard, my fingers are crossed that this does not plague me all the way across, especially as now is not the time to be without a radar!'
Dee and Aviva
Aviva Ocean Racing Summary
In May 2006 Dee Caffari set a world record by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. The inspirational yachtswoman's next ambition is to complete the Vendée Globe 2008/09 and become the first woman to sail solo non-stop around the world in both directions.
Further information on Dee Caffari and her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign can be found at www.avivaoceanracing.com
For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling, Mbl: +44 (0)7801 351950, Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 2840,
email: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell, Mbl +44 (0)7786 516570, Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 2862,
email: kellyr@karen-earl.co.uk
For images log on to:
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 2006.
- 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 £364 billion at 31 December 2007.
- The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.