The first full weekend of racing in the Vendée Globe has been frustrating for solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari who has struggled with the variable weather conditions. Caffari has been challenged to keep her Open 60 Aviva's speed up as the fleet head towards the Cape Verde islands.
The first full weekend of racing in the Vendée Globe has been frustrating for solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari who has struggled with the variable weather conditions. Caffari has been challenged to keep her Open 60 Aviva's speed up as the fleet head towards the Cape Verde islands.
Harry Spedding, Aviva Ocean Racing campaign manager reported this morning: "It's fair to say that Dee will be annoyed with where she is today. Other skippers took a similar route as she did over the weekend but it's obviously not paid off which is highly frustrating for her. She'll now be trying to make up as much ground as possible before the fleet hit the Doldrums later in the week."
Despite being frustrated with her progress, Caffari has taken advantage of the warm weather conditions and completed her household chores onboard Aviva in board shorts and a bikini, a far cry from the freezing conditions that lie ahead in the notorious Southern Ocean. She's had an Open 60 shower - a bucket of water over her head - and is concentrating on passing through the Atlantic archipelago as quickly as possible.
The 10H00 race ranking showed that Caffari was in 16th place, 90 miles behind Marc Guillemot onboard Safran in 15th position.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Sunday 16 November at 11H00 (GMT):
‘Wash and brush up
‘A slow period that has produced a lot of work, frustration and negativity onboard Aviva. I am thankful that everyone has lighter winds but I am working really hard to get away to some wind that is more consistent and more stable. After fretting for hours, working up a sweat with some sail changes and endless gybes I decided that some movement was better than none and I should take a chill pill. I can only deal with what I have. I am unable to turn back time or turn on the wind in the right direction otherwise I too would be with the Jedi Master onboard Gitana.
‘Taking notice of myself, I took the slow progress as an opportunity to do my weekly chores and then treat myself with a shower and hair wash. The chores were quick and the bucket of water over the head trick was wonderful. I am now sporting board shorts and a bikini top as base layer as thermals were a little over the top. It is great to feel the warmth of the sun again and my Fat Face boardies were developed in collaboration with Bryony Shaw and she won an Olympic Medal so I am hoping the luck can rub off on me as I get Aviva moving again.'
Dee and Aviva
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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 http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/
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For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
M: +44 (0) 7801 351950
E: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Kelly Russell
M: +44 (0)7786 516570
E: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website:
http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/
Images:
www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
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