Dee Caffari has caught up 161 miles on fellow British skipper Brain Thompson in the past 72 hour period, as Aviva passes the 2,000 miles-to-go point in the Vendée Globe yacht race.
Dee Caffari has caught up 161 miles on fellow British skipper Brain Thompson in the past 72 hour period, as Aviva passes the 2,000 miles-to-go point in the Vendée Globe yacht race. The solo skipper is just over a week away from completing the marathon 28,000 mile round the world race and achieving her double world first record.
The former PE teacher is battling huge waves in the Atlantic Ocean as she attempts to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world. Caffari is expected to arrive in Les Sables d'Olonne around Sunday 15 February.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Tuesday 3 February 2009 at 6.20pm GMT:
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"Some of the worst sea conditions of the whole race were seen last night and today. The waves were huge and at a different direction to the wind. Aviva was crashing and banging into the waves and it was really jarring conditions. I tried to change course slightly for a better ride, it helped a little and then I reduced sail further to keep some kind of control over Aviva and that helped but we have these conditions for another twelve hours before I can see any sign of it easing off.
"At one stage we were shipping so much water over the boat that I couldn't tell which way up we were. Not good news and I do not want to invite disaster so I have reduced sail and am trying to take it easy in these difficult circumstances. Next comes the negotiation with the high pressure and that will be a whole different ball game."
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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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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