Dee Caffari continues to target fellow British competitor Brian Thompson just over 130 miles ahead. Despite racing for nearly 80 days the competition is as intense as ever, with every sailor looking to gain on their rivals and of course take yet another step closer to finish line.
Dee Caffari continues to target fellow British competitor Brian Thompson just over 130 miles ahead. Despite racing for nearly 80 days the competition is as intense as ever, with every sailor looking to gain on their rivals and of course take yet another step closer to finish line. The middle of the fleet is now nearing the notorious Doldrums where the ever changing conditions can lead to big gains and losses, concentration and decision making will be even more important over the next few days.
Dee Caffari took advantage of one of the wind holes yesterday to yet again give her mainsail some more TLC. Extra stitches to her mainsail have meant the repair is holding for now and is allowing her to concentrate on racing, leaving winching to re-hoist the sail and a touch of sunburn her only annoyance.
Aviva is currently in seventh position and is currently 411 miles ahead of Akenda Verandas.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Friday 26 January at 6.30pm GMT:
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"I had a difficult night with lots of isolated black clouds that bring a change in wind direction, wind speed and sometimes even a few spots of rain. Along with these yellow blobs on my radar there were also some other boats. So I spent a lot of time on deck looking for lights and also changing headsails in order to keep Aviva moving. Progress was slow but we kept going and, although I didn't get much sleep, I was not too worried as I had exposed my back to a little too much sun while dealing with the mainsail so it was a little sore to lie down.
"Talking of my very proud mainsail repair, during the night the new side had come unstuck and started billowing in the wind along a couple of sides. These were the sides I did not stitch so I was confident all I needed to do was drop the main put in a few stitches and re-hoist. This morning I decided that when the wind dropped to seven knots I would do it. I came out the back of a huge rain cloud to be left with no wind at all. This was my chance. I dropped the main and grabbed a needle and thread. Speedily stitched the front bottom corner and the back bottom then added a few in the middle for good measure and re hoisted. It is not that I enjoy hard exercise everyday as I will be happy to not have to hoist a full main again but I was pleased to have dealt with the issue and hoist a good repair and find myself back in 9 knots of wind again.
"I am sailing upwind in varying wind strengths now and hope that a more settled breeze and a little lift will arrive soon to help my progress north."
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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Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
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