Dee Caffari's Open 60 yacht Aviva continues south at an average speed of 8.4 knots over the last 24 hour period. Caffari has reported that the conditions are physically and mentally draining as she remains on the port tack.
Dee Caffari's Open 60 yacht Aviva continues south at an average speed of 8.4 knots over the last 24 hour period. Caffari has reported that the conditions are physically and mentally draining as she remains on the port tack. However, anticipation is building onboard for when she, and the fleet, turn left and head towards the Southern Ocean beneath the Cape of Good Hope.
It is nearly three years since Caffari was in a similar position but anticipated a right turn towards Cape Horn as she battled her way the "wrong" way around the world, against the winds and currents. This time the solo skipper is looking forward to some downwind sailing the "right" way through the treacherous Southern Ocean.
The overnight rankings show that Caffari maintains her 15th position and has covered 271 miles in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the race at the front of the pack is hotting up with less than 20 miles between the front five boats.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Friday 28 November at 8.45pm:
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"Conditions are not nice and I am finding them draining, physically and mentally. I am even struggling to type this because of the motion of Aviva. It looks like I will be in the same conditions all night and as there is no moon, no stars just cloud cover it always looks more menacing than it really is. The wind is very gusty and the waves are continually crashing over the entire boat, they are not quite in sync with the wind which is shifting all the time.
"It is incredible that we will have gone almost the whole length of the South Atlantic on a port tack on the wind. I feel a little cheated as I have been upwind around the world already and I was sold this as a chance to try it down wind. I think I have been sold a dud! Still the grib file promises the corner is just days away!"
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.
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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
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