At 15:05:34 (GMT), former PE teacher Dee Caffari crossed the finish line of the Artemis Transat race in Boston, USA. Caffari spent 16 days, 2 hours and 5 minutes competing in the world’s oldest solo yacht race.
- Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari successfully completes her first solo ocean race
- Solo skipper achieves personal goal of finishing the Artemis Transat
At 15:05:34 (GMT), former PE teacher Dee Caffari crossed the finish line of the Artemis Transat race in Boston, USA. Caffari spent 16 days, 2 hours and 5 minutes competing in the world's oldest solo yacht race.
Caffari said as she crossed the finish line:
"I'm over the moon to have arrived safely in America. Aviva and I are here in one piece and I'm feeling very proud. I'm exhausted and elated at the same time - racing just takes every last emotion out of you. I'll never forget this, it's the first solo race I've completed and Aviva and I have really bonded. As with any relationship there have been highs and lows but we're just so pleased to be here."
The race signifies a huge personal achievement for Caffari, who competed in her new state-of-the-art Open 60 Aviva for the very first time against a strong international fleet, including French sailing legends, Loick Peyron, Vincent Riou and Michel Desjoyeaux. Unfortunately both Riou and Desjoyeaux, two of the most experienced skippers in the fleet, were forced to retire having collided with sea mammals damaging their boats, demonstrating how hard it is to finish a competitive offshore race.
It was not all plain sailing for Caffari who faced electrical problems at the start of the race and struggled with the complexity of her new racing machine. The last 16 days have been an emotional rollercoaster for the 35 year-old Brit whose confidence took a few knocks but as the race progressed her tactical decision making and solo sailing skills developed.
"There were times when I really didn't feel I was doing the boat justice. The boys had worked so hard to make sure she was ready and at times I just couldn't get her going. That said I've learnt so much along the way and feel we're in a much stronger position now. There simply is no substitute to getting out there and racing," she added.
The completion of the Artemis Transat means that Caffari has technically qualified for the Vendée Globe and is one step closer to realising her ultimate goal - to become the first woman to sail solo non-stop around the world in both directions. However, Aviva is due to be fitted with a new keel later this summer and therefore Caffari is expecting IMOCA to set another ratifying passage that she must complete to ensure she can line up in Les Sables d'Olonne on 9 November.
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For further information contact:
Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3128 6825
E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Kelly Russell
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 516570
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3128 6822
E-mail: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
VNR will be available on FTP server later today, for details contact:
Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3128 6825
E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Notes to editors:
Aviva Ocean Racing
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.
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