Dee Caffari has been at sea for over a month having set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne, France onboard her Open 60 yacht Aviva on 9 November.
Dee Caffari has been at sea for over a month having set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne, France onboard her Open 60 yacht Aviva on 9 November. The Vendée Globe fleet are now all in the Southern Ocean with Caffari's current position at 47° South the temperature has been steadily dropping.
In her latest diary she reports on keeping warm with home-baked shortbread, made by the mother of Artemis Ocean Racing boat captain, Graham "Gringo" Tourell. Keeping Caffari's spirits high today is a new food box with favourite meals such as freeze dried chicken pasta.
Caffari lies 16th in the fleet having fought back miles to overtake race rival Arnaud Boissiers onboard Akena Verandas. The Frenchman had been sandwiched between the two female competitors in the race throughout yesterday but Caffari fought off the Frenchman's advances and regained her 16th position and keeps her sights on Roxy 167 miles ahead.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Tuesday 9 December at 7pm:
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"Boy is it cold. This south westerly air flow comes from Antarctica and it is bitterly cold. My extremities are like icicles.
"I have piled the layers on now and look forward to running the generator as it adds a little heat. Today was exciting as it was a new food bag day. I packed my food into ten day bags and to open a new bag it always a treat, as I can't help but eat my favourites first so the last few days are always the boring food. Now I am back to treats again.
"One treat that I have not been without for big offshore events, ever since my first transatlantic when I worked for Mike Golding, is Mummy Tourell's homemade shortbread. I have saved my box until the south but I have to admit it is disappearing pretty quickly. I was sure I could have a piece everyday in the south but I have been incapable of eating just one piece. It is too yummy! Good job as always 'Mummy T'."
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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