Dee Caffari is facing one of the biggest challenges of her Vendée Globe race so far as she prepares for hurricane force winds that will give her damaged mainsail another severe battering.
Dee Caffari is facing one of the biggest challenges of her Vendée Globe race so far as she prepares for hurricane force winds that will give her damaged mainsail another severe battering. Currently 950 nautical miles from Cape Horn, Caffari is battening down the hatches as she prepares for another storm that is set to increase in intensity with 70 knot winds forecast.
"This is a bit scary really," she said this morning.
"I have satellite images, synoptic charts and grib files all around me and they are all telling me that the weather is going to be really dreadful."
Understandably Caffari is anxious about the coming storms and will be looking to protect her damaged mainsail as much as possible. Having noticed further delamination of the sail this weekend, there was also frustration in Caffari's voice as she discussed how she would tackle the impending storm:
"Since my mainsail got ripped the other day, I've patched it and left three reefs in. I have now put a fourth reef in which is close to dropping it. Once I get in the system, there is nothing I can do so I have to wait until I get round the corner."
Dee is lying in eighth place in a field of 12 which has been dramatically reduced from the 30 skippers who started the race in November. Having been at sea for 64 days, she has just under 8,000 miles left and trails leader Michel Desjoyeaux by around 3,000 miles.
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: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
Images: www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
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