Dee Caffari, onboard Aviva, has been enjoying blue skies, sunshine, high pressure and the relief that her fellow competitor Yann Eliès (Generali) is safely receiving media treatment.
Dee Caffari, onboard Aviva, has been enjoying blue skies, sunshine, high pressure and the relief that her fellow competitor Yann Eliès (Generali) is safely receiving media treatment.
Both Marc Guillemot (Safran) and Samantha Davies (Roxy) have now returned to the race, having been diverted to Generali to provide support for Yann Eliès.
Caffari has been preparing herself and Aviva for the change in the conditions that is expected to arrive in the next twenty-four hours by checking over the Open 60 whilst listening to Robbie Williams on her ipod.
Following the removal of Generali from the fleet, Dee Caffari has moved up to 11th place with the 10am rank ranking confirming a 60 mile lead over Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas).
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received Saturday 20 December, 1pm GMT:
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"Every time I have read some news about the pending rescue of Yann I have shed some tears. In fact all the dramas of the last week have led me to be very emotional, but to know he was waiting in pain unable to help himself was awful.
"Today with the joyous news that the rescue arrived earlier than expected and was carried out with military efficiency brought more tears but this time of relief. To know Yann was being looked after and that Marc's extreme efforts in consoling a friend were exemplary. I was unaware that Marc had suffered a similar fate. Could you imagine the odds on the next boat to your side being someone who knows exactly how it is, that is a chance in a million!
"Marc's comments on the dolphins made me smile. I think almost at the same time I had the sun come out. Almost as if a wave of happiness and relief spread across the rest of the fleet.
"My skies are now back to a Southern Ocean grey and the cold has returned but I am happy in the knowledge that I have another day of sailing before the next monster arrives."
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.
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Kelly Russell
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E-mail: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
Images: www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
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