Emerging relatively unscathed from a swift Doldrum crossing, Dee Caffari onboard Aviva is now adjusting to sailing upwind. After three weeks of racing in the Vendée Globe, 15 boats have crossed into the Southern Hemisphere and Caffari is expected to join them later today.
Emerging relatively unscathed from a swift Doldrum crossing, Dee Caffari onboard Aviva is now adjusting to sailing upwind. After three weeks of racing in the Vendée Globe, 15 boats have crossed into the Southern Hemisphere and Caffari is expected to join them later today.
On her way to the equator, Caffari will be trying to make up any miles lost in the Doldrums as she chases Michel Desjoyeaux on Foncia, whilst trying to fend off the fast approaching Arnaud Boissières onboard Akena Verandas.
The 10am race ranking showed Dee Caffari in 16th place, 43 miles behind Michel Desjoyeaux on Foncia in 15th place. Loïck Peyron on Gitana continues to lead the fleet.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received Saturday 22 November, 7.45pm GMT:
To receive Dee's diary automatically, visit http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/rss to sign up for the RSS feed.
"Well the Southerly winds that met me from cloud number five last night grew in strength and before I had time to realize it this was me clear of the doldrums. I was now upwind and feeling all out of sorts with the boat heeling over again.
"It has taken the best part of today to get my upwind feel back for the boat again. I have had a reef in and out within the hour, ballast tanks are being filled and emptied while I try to get a feel for what Aviva wants. The wind is not helping, as it is very inconsistent in strength, so hard to set up for.
"Also in the back of my mind I am aware that Foncia slipped past in the rain clouds last night and now Cali onboard Akena is pushing at the bit once more so I really have no time for any rest and recovery. The only concern I have at the moment is wondering when the wind will be back and allow us to get some more south in our course as I wasn't planning a stop in Brazil!"
Dee and Aviva
Aviva Ocean Racing summary
Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, who sailed into the record books in May 2006 by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents, is attempt her next "world first" by competing in the Vendée Globe yacht race. Caffari is attempting to become the first woman to sail solo and non-stop both ways around the world.
Further information on Dee Caffari and her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign can be found at www.avivaoceanracing.com/.
-ends-
For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0) 7801 351950
E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Kelly Russell
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 516570
E-mail: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com/
Images: 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 2007.
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 £359 billion at 30 June 2008.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.
For broadcast-standard video, please visit our video section.