After two weeks in the North Atlantic facing winds ranging from zero to 50 knots, record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari today sailed her Open 60 yacht Aviva into Gosport, Hampshire.
After two weeks in the North Atlantic facing winds ranging from zero to 50 knots, record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari today sailed her Open 60 yacht Aviva into Gosport, Hampshire. The Aviva Ocean Racing team plan to spend the summer based at Royal Clarence Marina preparing for the gruelling solo round the world race, the Vendée Globe 2008/09.
During the 3,000 mile sail from Boston to Gosport Aviva reached her top speed to date of 28.3 knots whilst revelling in the downwind conditions. Caffari, joined by two members of her shore team Harry Spedding and Rob Sleep, used the sail to further develop her confidence onboard Aviva in challenging conditions.
Caffari said: "The idea of this delivery home was to get me used to living at extreme speeds onboard Aviva and make it the normal thing to do so I'm more confident when I'm racing on my own. I have certainly flown more sail for longer and as for my confidence, well that has definitely blossomed."
Aviva under Caffari's helm and supported by her two crew has experienced some incredibly fast sailing and seen the boats best performance to date.
Andrew Roberts, Aviva Ocean Racing campaign director, said: "The team have got some great results out of Aviva. With the boys on board Dee has really pushed the boat closer to the limit. The 50 knots over last weekend will have been an intense challenge but the boat and crew seem to thrive on the conditions."
Caffari has a busy summer schedule ahead of her with Aviva competing in the Round the Island race on 28 June, the Artemis Challenge on 5 August and a period of two-boat testing with technical alliance partner Mike Golding and Ecover.
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