As the leaders rounded Cape Horn, Dee Caffari recorded a couple of Vendée Globe milestones of her own onboard Aviva.
As the leaders rounded Cape Horn, Dee Caffari recorded a couple of Vendée Globe milestones of her own onboard Aviva. Overnight, Caffari passed through the West Pacific Gate - the ninth of 10 ice gates put in place to ensure the skippers' safety - and registered that there are just 10,000 of 27,000 miles remaining to reach the finish of this epic round the world race in Les Sables d'Olonne, France.
Caffari also extended her lead over Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas) to 60 miles, and was ranked in ninth position in the latest polling at 10am GMT this morning.
Dee's latest diary received on Sunday 4 January at 6.30pm GMT:
"Another milestone passed today as I crossed to the north of Gate number nine. That leaves just one more gate and Cape Horn left down here then Aviva and I can hand brake turn left and head north. I also broke through the 10000 miles to go barrier which is a nice incentive.
"Sad news about Jonny on Artemis, after all he had battled in the Indian Ocean, it is sad and I can tell he is frustrated.
"Aviva's mainsail still holds on and we have had words today. I asked nicely for her to stay strong as there is nothing I can do on a starboard gybe, so she can only have love and attention on the other gybe. The good news is gently gently, ever so gently I shook out the third reef as that is the worst place for the sail and now feel much happier that all the damaged area is flying because that keeps all the fibres in the right place. Now I just need to stick and patch a bit more and we will be good for another few days!
"My monochrome grey Southern Ocean World also broke up today to reveal a hint of blue for about an hour. I was lucky enough to be doing a sail change at the time so I didn't miss it. I had almost forgotten what a blue sky looked like!"
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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Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
Images: www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
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