The gruelling Vendée Globe round the world yacht race is living up to its reputation of being the Everest of the Seas. Yesterday saw two competitors retire from the race as Southern Indian Ocean storms and squalls took their toll on the Open 60 fleet.
The gruelling Vendée Globe round the world yacht race is living up to its reputation of being the Everest of the Seas. Yesterday saw two competitors retire from the race as Southern Indian Ocean storms and squalls took their toll on the Open 60 fleet.
Yesterday Caffari reported of her shock and disappointment for fellow British sailor Mike Golding who was cruelly dismasted hours after his Ecover 3 took the lead for the first time. The news lead Caffari to reflect on how this fierce ocean can destroy ambitions and dreams. "The Indian Ocean has really claimed some victims...I'm shocked by the destruction of the Vendée fleet," said Caffari.
Despite competing against other solo skippers Caffari has drawn on the camaraderie of the remaining British sailors to keep her morale up. She stated yesterday: "I don't feel a sense of isolation. It's really nice because Steve, Jonny, Brian, Sam and I have all been talking, though I definitely want some of what Sam is taking because she thinks that every depression that comes is fantastic! We're passing on messages and it is good old British camaraderie that is keeping our morale high."
Setting out of her first Vendée Globe race, Caffari has been reassured by speaking to her fellow competitors, she added: "Brian and I spoke about the ice after he saw I was going north [of the Kerguelen Islands] and it was really nice to hear a voice of reason - he told me he was getting the boat through the Southern Ocean and would try to avoid anything that could terminate his race. He'd decided he just needed to keep the boat sailing and that was really good to hear."
Caffari is currently in 12th position, chasing Sam Davies (Roxy) and Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar) 500 miles ahead of her and is followed by Steve White (Toe in the Water) and Jonny Malbon (Artemis) just over 500 mile behind her.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Tuesday 16 December at 6.30pm GMT:
"A shocking news day as this morning I learnt of Mike Golding's dismasting. I felt sick and the colour drained from my face. He really was doing so well, he was so confident with his boat and in this environment it was an absolute pleasure to watch. I firmly believed this could be his year. A devastating blow and my heart went out to him. My second reaction was to ask how and why, as I realised that I was carrying the same rig.
"Since the news and then hearing about Jean Baptiste retiring too, I reflected on the week and was shocked at the destruction of the Vendée fleet. The Indian Ocean has really claimed some victims.
"It has kind of taken the fight from me today, especially as tonight will see me encounter the cold front of the second depression in as many days. I am keen to survive this then take a good look at my Aviva before then sailing miles east and getting back in the swing of things. My shore team have reassured me but it is difficult pushing when there is another 50 knots around the corner. Lets deal with one thing at a time."
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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