Record breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari has recorded the fastest 24 hours in the Vendee Globe fleet averaging 13.9 knots. This now puts the top three British entrants, Sam Davies, Brian Thompson and Dee Caffari within 350 miles of each other.
Record breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari has recorded the fastest 24 hours in the Vendee Globe fleet averaging 13.9 knots. This now puts the top three British entrants, Sam Davies, Brian Thompson and Dee Caffari within 350 miles of each other.
Despite being compatriots, the race to be the first Brit home is certainly on and with over 4,200 miles left to go there is everything to play for. The trio have the infamous Doldrums to clear before the final sprint home to Les Sables d'Olonne through the North Atlantic.
Caffari reports in her latest diary that the conditions have left her with some indecision on the best way to maximise the boat's speed. However, the latest polling shows that Aviva has made good speed and caught up some of the lost miles on Brian Thompson ahead of her, who it is thought had to slow to make some repairs last night.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Friday 23 January at 5.30pm GMT:
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"I could fall into the trap of complaining about today. Nothing was quite right and I spent most of the day in an area of cross over and indecision.
"The course was good for a bit of dagger board to go down, not all the time, just occasionally.
"The wind was shifting around by about 30 degrees.
The wind strength varied by as much as 10 knots.
The wind was on the edge of needing ballast.
The wind was on the edge of needing a reef, or another reef, or a full main.
Reaching has fully loaded the boat up and it is not comfortable sailing.
We are shipping lots of water over the deck.
"The list does go on but then I realised that I was just being petty as I am still able to sail fast and make good ground in the right direction where as others have struggled and I should be thankful. However all of the above is true."
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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For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
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E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
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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