Forty days after leaving Les Sables d'Olonne, Dee Caffari is remaining positive onboard Aviva. Whilst emotionally affected by the problems onboard Generali and Ecover, Caffari is maintaining focus on progressing her own race and successfully passed the fifth ice gate early this morning.
Forty days after leaving Les Sables d'Olonne, Dee Caffari is remaining positive onboard Aviva. Whilst emotionally affected by the problems onboard Generali and Ecover, Caffari is maintaining focus on progressing her own race and successfully passed the fifth ice gate early this morning.
Caffari is currently in 12th position, having increased her lead over Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas) to 60 miles.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received Friday 19 December, 6.50pm GMT:
To receive Dee's diary automatically, visit http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/rss to sign up for the RSS feed.
"I am just a few hours from clearing the next security gate of the race, which is a positive thing as it shows progress. It has been a hard week with strong weather and sad news from the fleet. This race is taking its toll physically and emotionally on the competitors.
"As Christmas week commences with the children home for the holidays I can only imagine the atmosphere. Christmas here looks like another day at the office and what is more it looks like a day after a ‘monster' visits so I do hope I get chance to celebrate with my freeze dried Christmas dinner and the opportunity to open the presents I have found stashed in a spares box."
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.
-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.