The terrifying rescue of Jean Le Cam a few miles from Cape Horn sent shivers down Dee Caffari’s spine as she braces herself to follow in his tracks.
The terrifying rescue of Jean Le Cam a few miles from Cape Horn sent shivers down Dee Caffari's spine as she braces herself to follow in his tracks.
Caffari's Open 60 Aviva is currently some 2,300 miles from the notoriously hazardous Horn. The solo skipper estimates that she will pass the infamous landmark next week by which time Le Cam will be safely on dry land and Vincent Riou hopefully back in the race.
"Seeing the reports from race headquarters last night and getting calls updating me sent shivers down my spine because it was so scary. It was a reminder that this race is far from over and Cape Horn is notorious for a reason," she said.
"It was very sad but we saw fantastic seamanship by Vincent and Armel and some great news in the end. Awesome."
With the rate of attrition in this race running at such high levels, Dee said she couldn't help but worry about something similar happening to her.
"You try not to think about these things happening but everything that has happened could have happened to any of us at any time.
"We are on the same types of boats, in the same area doing the same thing. Having said that, you could get run over by a bus any time but it doesn't stop you crossing the road. You just have to be vigilant.
"It is very easy over time to become lax and miss things and incidents like this keep you on your toes, makes you do all the checks to keep your seamanship intact. It would be better not to have any reminders but unfortunately that is what happens.
"This race has captured everyone's imagination because there have been so many dramas but when you are so close to it, it's hard to keep bouncing back from seeing all these incidents around you. That said the race goes on and I'm still in it so am focusing on finishing. I have 9,000 nautical miles to go so I just keep going."
She would have liked to get some speed up over the next few days but light airs and the continuing issues with her mainsail are slowing her down.
"I have a light patch on the way to the next ice gate and of course the delay means I am taking longer to get to Cape Horn. On the weather file today it looks like I will arrive at Cape Horn in horrendous conditions. I was trying to get round before they arrived but it looks like I am going to get another kicking from the Southern Ocean before I leave.
"My sails are not looking pretty. I have just gybed so if the weather is OK I will make a few more repairs ready for the big blow ahead then give it some TLC when its need it.
"It was a big shock when Jonny Malbon retired and it did make me look at the mainsail differently. I haven't exhausted all the options for repair yet so will carry on until that happens. As a result I‘m probably sailing a couple of gears lower as the priority is to get home."
Dee Caffari is currently in eighth position 12 miles ahead of Frenchman Arnaud Boissières.
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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