Dee Caffari, onboard Aviva, has left her initial frustrations behind as she concentrates on catching up with the front runners in the Artemis Transat fleet. Over the last 24 hours Caffari has rested, eaten and slept when possible to get her head back into the race. Following early days of spiralling confidence, the solo skipper is now raring to go and ready to attack the boats ahead of her.
- Competitive 24-hour run sees Caffari determined to claw back miles from her rivals
- Atlantic wildlife brings a smile to solo skipper
Dee Caffari, onboard Aviva, has left her initial frustrations behind as she concentrates on catching up with the front runners in the Artemis Transat fleet. Over the last 24 hours Caffari has rested, eaten and slept when possible to get her head back into the race. Following early days of spiralling confidence, the solo skipper is now raring to go and ready to attack the boats ahead of her.
Aviva made up ground overnight, with a competitive 24 hour run between 0600 GMT on Wednesday and 0600 GMT on Thursday. Caffari's focus is to make up miles on her nearest competitors Roxy, Cervin EnR and Safran to ensure she can cross the impending high pressure ridge around the same time. There will be tough tactical decisions ahead but Caffari is in a positive mood, aided by some wildlife companions - a pod of whales - which brought a smile to her face as she and Aviva sped past.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on 15 May:
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'Sailing in grey skies and flat light made everything feel damp and cold but the flat sea with a slight ocean swell made the sailing easy. Downwind conditions are easy miles although I am struggling to keep Aviva on the pace and continue to drop away from the fleet. This is depressing but considering I had no power just yesterday I have to be pleased I am still in the race.
'I have trimmed but with the wind ranging from ten knots to fifteen knots, my speed fluctuates. I still need to work with my pilots before I feel they are totally trustworthy. These are all valuable miles and help me learn where I need to develop to have Aviva the way she needs to be for the Vendée Globe race.
'Off my port side I caught sight of a pod of whales travelling in the same direction. They were not interested in the boat and kept moving slower than I was but they were serene in their movements and a sight to behold. The rest of the day has been endless horizon of ocean. We are definitely away from land as there was not even a bird to be seen, radar vigilance can finally relax a little.'
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
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 2840,
email: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell
Mobile +44 (0)7786 516570
Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 2862
email: kellyr@karen-earl.co.uk
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.
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