Aviva Ocean Racing: Dee Caffari ready to start TransAtlantic race from Plymouth to Boston

Record-breaking British yachtswoman, Dee Caffari is ready to race against some of the world's best solo sailors for the first time onboard her new generation Open 60 yacht, Aviva. This Sunday, 11 May, Caffari steps onboard Aviva to start The Artemis Transat, an intense transatlantic sprint from Plymouth to Boston, USA against 12 highly powered carbon fibre racing machines.

The historic British race is a comparatively short sprint across the Atlantic for the round the world sailors, at only 3,000 miles in distance and approximately 11 days in duration. The Transat represents a key marker in Caffari's Aviva Ocean Racing campaign as she builds momentum toward her ultimate goal - to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world in both directions by completing the Vendée Globe 2008/09.

Before departing from Plymouth Caffari said: "As far as I'm concerned, I've got to finish the race to build my confidence before the Vendée Globe. I have to be competitive in this boat, allow her to perform and make the right decisions. This relatively short sprint across the Atlantic is the last off-shore race before we all line up in Les Sables d'Olonne in November."

Caffari and Aviva line up in Plymouth alongside fellow Brit, Sam Davies (Roxy) in a fleet of 13 yachts from six different countries. Alongside Davies, Caffari is one of only two women taking part in the Open 60 class and will be looking to challenge the men in the fleet whilst managing her own race strategy. The inspirational skipper will be testing her resolve, determination and solo sailing skills in a competitive race environment.

Caffari commented from the dockside: "I've really connected with Aviva over the last few months but miles under the belt are key to our campaign so we're going to be sailing strategically. Boston is our number one target and I'm aiming to get there as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The race across the north Atlantic is predominantly upwind, going against the preferred sailing conditions for Open 60s that are specifically designed for fast downwind racing. However, Caffari is an expert in these conditions having spent 178 days in 2005/06 battling against the prevailing winds and currents during her record-breaking circumnavigation. Whilst taking part in the Transat she will celebrate the second anniversary of the Aviva Challenge when she sailed into the history books by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop the ‘wrong way ‘around the world. 

Caffari reflected on her past achievements: "I can't believe it was nearly two years ago that I sailed past the Lizard on the Aviva Challenge. I've come such a long way and with the support of a dedicated team and sponsor I'm looking forward to realising my ultimate goal - to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world in both directions by completing the Vendée Globe."

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For further information contact:
Caroline Ayling, Mbl: +44 (0)7801 351950, Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 2840,
e-mail: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell, Mbl +44 (0)7786 516570, Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 2862,
e-mail: 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.