The doldrums have Dee Caffari in their clutches and the solo skipper is finding escape difficult. The doldrums are known for their unpredictability and can produce large areas where the wind disappears completely.
The doldrums have Dee Caffari in their clutches and the solo skipper is finding escape difficult. The doldrums are known for their unpredictability and can produce large areas where the wind disappears completely. Due to these unpredictable weather patterns the doldrums have become notorious with sailors throughout the years as boats have stayed trapped for days waiting for the wind to power their sails.
Caffari's closest rival, Brian Thompson, seems to have squirmed his way out of the weather system and has extended his lead slightly. Caffari will be hoping that the trade wind arrives soon so she can again put her foot down towards the finish line at Les Sables d'Olonne.
Michael Desjoueaux, the race leader, now has the finish in his sights and is predicted to finish within 24 hours. Victory in this years race will be his second out of the last three races, a quite extraordinary performance again from the sailor his rivals term "Le Professor".
Aviva maintains seventh position over night and is currently just over 100 miles behind Brian Thompson onboard Bahrain Team Pindar.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received 6.20pm 30 January 2009:
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"Well I am well and truly ensnared in the clutches of the doldrums. For the past three hours I have been in torrential rain as if someone forgot to turn the tap off with wind from every point on the compass and from 9 knots of wind to zero.
"I have travelled forwards, backwards, east and west. I looked like I was playing a game of snakes and ladders in the water, although I am definitely finding more snakes than ladders at the moment! Big rain clouds cover the radar and I am not sure if I am into the next cloud or still stuck under the first cloud. My hands are now shrivelled like prunes and are beginning to hurt. I have tacked and gybed and changed sails and basically done anything I can to keep Aviva moving. The doldrums are going to make me pay a hefty price to get through into the stable Northern Hemisphere trade winds."
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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