Dee Caffari's strategy to sail the weather as she gets the weather and "stay sensible" was paying dividends this morning as she consolidated her position in the Vendée Globe top 10.
Dee Caffari's strategy to sail the weather as she gets the weather and "stay sensible" was paying dividends this morning as she consolidated her position in the Vendée Globe top 10.
From being the fastest boat over the Christmas period, Aviva had slowed down to more sedate speeds today but there were no complaints from the record breaking yachtswoman who is preparing to make further gains, albeit at the expense of her fellow skippers who are enduring some rotten luck.
"It is so sad for Seb," she said referring to the BT skipper who was knocked down flat yesterday sustaining damage to the deck.
"He's had such a good race until now. This race is full of surprises and the wear and tear on both the boats and the people is getting greater so it is very easy for things to go wrong now."
But for the moment, Dee said, she was living out a dream.
"When I looked at the top ten skippers at the start in Les Sables d'Olonnes I never dreamt I would count among them in this race. It is like a dream. Now this race is a war of attrition but how nice it is to still be part of it.
"I have shown I can do it. I'm just sailing the weather as I get the weather and trying to stay sensible. There is still a long way to go.
"I only overtook Brian Thompson because he was having to deal with quite major issues on the boat but for me to be in the top ten now is pretty cool. I suspect it could go backwards and forwards with me and Brian for a while.
"Safran has to stop at Auckland Island to do some repairs and he thinks it will only be a number of hours and then he will be back to trucking again but we will have to wait and see.
"In the next few days we have some strong winds but we also have to get north to the new position of the ice gate by New Zealand and just as we get there, I think we are looking at a high pressure though it isn't that clear at the moment so it will be interesting.
"I've been sat in a high pressure bubble so went from the fastest 24 hours to the slowest 24 hours but it has been really nice. I know it is naughty to admit this but for a while, it is nice be able to really live rather than merely survive.
"It is also good being able to get all round the boat to do jobs that I haven't been able to do because it has been so wet and uncomfortable.
"I have really enjoyed today and feel human again...the seas were blue and the skies were blue and I even had some sun and for a moment thought I was lost and transported back to the Atlantic. So I celebrated by washing my hair.
"I am very happy with Aviva. I took down the mainsail today and did a bit of patching so I'm very pleased I got on top of that. It is something I will have to do quite regularly now."
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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