Dee Caffari, the British solo skipper of Aviva, is currently on the edge of the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Currents as she progresses towards the finish line of the Artemis Transat in Boston.
Dee Caffari, the British solo skipper of Aviva, is currently on the edge of the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Currents as she progresses towards the finish line of the Artemis Transat in Boston. Over the last 24 hours Caffari has experienced the highs and lows of ocean racing, as her boat speed varied from zero to 11 knots.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on 22 May:
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"Yesterday was some of the best sailing this race, with some of the most frustrating sailing all in one day. Passing the Ice Gate took nearly all day as we battled with a ridge of high pressure that left Aviva and I wallowing unable to make any heading for endless hours. I saw the morning positions and just hoped that I had gone far enough south to miss the big hole of no wind. Luck was not on my side because eventually I was captured with flogging sails and 0.00 registered on the boat speed.
"Immediately I assumed the worst and thought everyone else was sailing while I floated and was relieved to see that the others were struggling in the same light winds as I was in. Admittedly they saw the new breeze first but we are all sailing into the same wind once again and now I need to let Aviva stretch her legs to stay with them.
"I ended the day with fabulous reaching conditions, the sun setting ahead and a clear horizon all around with a gentle ocean swell. I had my end of day cup of tea on deck as we raced along and we started the final stretch of the race course. The next 24 hours will see some big winds but fortunately they do not last long."
Dee and Aviva
-ends-
For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2840
E-mail: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell
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E-mail: kellyr@karen-earl.co.uk
Notes to editors:
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
About Aviva
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.