Today, solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari reports of her devastation for fellow British skipper Mike Golding as his Open 60 yacht was dismasted in 50 knots of winds deep in the Southern Ocean early this morning. Golding had been in first position at the time.
Today, solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari reports of her devastation for fellow British skipper Mike Golding as his Open 60 yacht was dismasted in 50 knots of winds deep in the Southern Ocean early this morning. Golding had been in first position at the time.
Caffari spoke to Harry Spedding, her campaign manager, earlier today and reported: "I'm devastated for Mike. I feel like being sick. It's such a cruel race."
Caffari will be well aware of Golding‘s disappointment having worked closely with the former fireman in preparation for the gruelling round the world race. The Aviva and Ecover teams formed a technical alliance in March 2007 and had spent time two-boat testing over the summer as the Vendée Globe approached.
Known as the "Everest of the Seas", the marathon race has dealt Golding with a cruel blow but sends a timely reminder to Caffari that the Southern Ocean is a hostile and ferocious place. Caffari is currently experiencing 35-40 knots of winds which are expected to increase over the coming 24 hours.
Harry Spedding reported after he had spoken to Caffari: "The news may lead Dee to set a more conservative sail plan. The weather conditions are not going to let up and she'll be expecting the next system to come through with over 50 knots."
Caffari is currently in 12th position and is heading towards the West Australia ice gate.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Monday 15 December at 7pm GMT:
"Well another gate successfully passed. The gate was to keep us north of Heard Island, as it was I was also north of the Kerguelen Islands too.
"During the daylight hours today the wind eased and the sea state took a while to settle. I have gone all through the sail wardrobe back up to full sail again and now darkness has fallen I have already started changing sails again. Why is it always when it is dark?
"The forecast is for the new depression to catch up with me over the next 24 hours so we will be back at it again only I am currently sailing on the wind. This really is a strange sensation to be heeled over again as I have been downwind for so long now. I am actually looking forward for this wind to back again so we can flatten out once more and make a good east heading to catch some of those miles I have lost with my detour around the Islands and the light weather encountered today."
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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