The frustration of the last 48 hours is over for Dee Caffari and her Open 60 yacht Aviva. Having spent much of the last two days becalmed Caffari has experienced some of the best sailing of her race in 35 knots of wind.
The frustration of the last 48 hours is over for Dee Caffari and her Open 60 yacht Aviva. Having spent much of the last two days becalmed Caffari has experienced some of the best sailing of her race in 35 knots of wind. The solo skipper reported in her latest diary how both she and Aviva have really bonded and are firing on all cylinders together in the improved conditions.
Caffari reported this morning: "Yesterday it was incredible sailing - very fast. Now I‘m in 35 knots of wind, it's a bit full-on but it should start to ease in a couple of hours I hope. The last 24 hours has been some of the best sailing in the race but I'll be relieved when this is over. Dealing with 35 knots of wind in the dark is hard."
Caffari has 68 miles to go and is expected to cross the finish line around lunchtime today.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on 27 May:
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"Having spent nearly two days becalmed I did feel it had rather ruined the race. As all my memories of it were going to be the final few days and how frustrating it was.
"Yesterday however took that theory and threw it out of the window. I had some awesome sailing. Aviva was on fire, I was on fire and together we rocked. Maybe that is the secret we have to be on fire together! Opportunities to grasp fifth from eighth place had vanished but the reaching in a steadily building breeze was great. We changed gears, as we knew the forecast was for thirty knots of breeze and a mistake now would be horrendous.
"At 15 knots the miles churned up and I was relieved to know that this will be my final night at sea. Tomorrow I will be able to tell you of a night sleeping in a bed!"
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
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For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3128 6825
E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponosrship.com
Kelly Russell
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 516570
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3128 6822
E-mail: : Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Notes to editors:
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