Record breaking solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari today celebrates her third Christmas at sea in the last five years.
Record breaking solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari today celebrates her third Christmas at sea in the last five years. She reported live to the BBC this morning that the sun has come out in the Southern Ocean and she has been able to open some presents and prepare her freeze-dried Christmas lunch of turkey and sausages.
Caffari is no stranger to spending Christmas at sea having celebrated the day in both 2004 and 2005 in the Southern Ocean. Aiming to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world Caffari is competing in the Vendee Globe yacht race. She is currently in 11th position, just 43 miles behind fellow Brit Brian Thompson onboard Bahrain Team Pindar.
Dee's latest diary, received on Wednesday 24 December at 12pm GMT:
"Well the wind is promised to ease as the afternoon passes then we have a gybe and the wind will build again. Apparently not to a huge monster so at least Christmas should not be too unpleasant.
"My big dilemma now is as I am a day ahead of home do I open my presents now while you are sleeping or wait and celebrate in the dark with you at home? I have a feeling the presents will win and the telephone calls will be in my night time. That way we all win! Now when do I eat my freeze dried Christmas Dinner? See all these questions Christmas bring us out here in the south. I think it is a healthy distraction from the stresses of sailing.
"Today's milestone is passing Gate 7 to the north. The next gate is just off New Zealand and then it will be the date line, maybe for New Year!"
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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