After nearly a week of racing Dee Caffari and Aviva have already sailed through some of the very different conditions they will face throughout the Vendée Globe.
After nearly a week of racing Dee Caffari and Aviva have already sailed through some of the very different conditions they will face throughout the Vendée Globe. The storms from the first 48 hours were followed by a fluctuating wind and big swell until yesterday when the wind deserted the solo skipper. Caffari is now working hard to find the boat speed to close down some of the miles lost on her rivals. The lighter conditions however will enable Caffari to check the boat and keep on top of the many ‘housekeeping' jobs.
As the fleet head south the temperature rises and the sailors will receive morale boosts with the arrival of some amazing wildlife. Caffari has already had dolphins regularly swimming alongside and yesterday watched a huge whale surface alongside Aviva.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received 15 November 2008 4.26pm:
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"It has been one of those frustrating days where all the good work you did at the beginning has now been lost and is all but forgotten. After spending two days struggling to make Aviva go in the weird conditions, I complained and fell into the other extreme of no wind. I promise not to complain again...honest! I even watched Safran on the position reports slow down in the same place and yet Aviva was like a magnet and we did exactly the same again.
"We have now found wind after endless gybes as I am not too sure which is the best at the moment. Each time I make a decision I watch the wind make the other gybe favourable and so I gybe and then the same thing again happens. Such is life and it is a good job I am quite good at gybing.
"Now we are south of the Canaries there is a notable difference in the weather too and layers have been stripped off and boots put out to air. I even had the sail locker hatch open while I completed my staysail repair and that sent a nice fresh breeze through the boat to air the place. The wild life has taken a turn for the better too. I have seen dolphins nearly every other day along the side of the boat but today was a huge whale saying hello with a snort through his blowhole. I stood open mouthed as I watched nature at its best and then thought about the camera, which means you do not get to see the sight I am afraid.
"I cannot believe it is the weekend already. The time has gone by really quickly but now is when everything catches up with you and the euphoria of leaving and the adrenaline of the first 48 hours heavy weather has worn off and realisation hits you that we are out here for a while. I am happy onboard and getting in my routines for things. Sunday being a day of domestic bliss but I shall tell you about that tomorrow."
Dee
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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