The changeable conditions are making it difficult for Caffari onboard Aviva to settle into a consistent sailing pattern. A large swell and fluctuating winds have made sail choices difficult over the last 24 hours and Caffari has slipped a couple of places down the fleet.
The changeable conditions are making it difficult for Caffari onboard Aviva to settle into a consistent sailing pattern. A large swell and fluctuating winds have made sail choices difficult over the last 24 hours and Caffari has slipped a couple of places down the fleet.
The reduced wind strength and warmer weather has enabled Caffari to catch up with some maintenance and minor repairs. Keeping the boat in the best condition possible will help Caffari find boat speed for the rest of the race and after her fantastic start Caffari is keen to stick with the leading pack.
Latest from Dee Caffari, received 14 November 2008 at 7.20pm:
To receive Dee's diary automatically, visit http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/rss to sign up for the RSS feed.
"I have been really struggling with finding the right rhythm and pace for Aviva over the last couple of days. Too much sail I kept wiping out on my ear or only able to hand steer or I reduce sail and wallow in the huge waves that have been surfing us along. It has been strange, a huge sea state that blasts you forward at 20 knots or allows you to sink the depths of the craters the waves create. Trying different combinations has been tricky also as the wind speed is gusting as high as 27 knots or settling at just 15 knots.
"I am not complaining just looking at awe of the speed the others are getting with their boats. I have promised Aviva that we will get there and she can go and play with everyone again, until then we shall concentrate on getting past the Canaries and at least staying in touch with the leading pack. I am still pleased to even be on the same chart area as them without having to pan out too much still.
"Annoyed with my frustration I set about fixing my staysail that was damaged on night two. That led to all sorts of tools and equipment being used, as I needed to recover the batten end from the broken batten to put on my new cut to size job. However it was not budging and needed cutting off and being drilled out. So now it is dark and I am still not there yet but I am covered in carbon dust and when I do need to fly it again I shall be very pleased."
Dee Caffari and Aviva
Aviva Ocean Racing summary
Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, 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 attempting her next ‘world first' by competing in the Vendée Globe yacht race. Caffari aims 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.