While Armel Le Cleac'h clinches second place in the Vendee Globe, the race between Dee Caffari and Brian Thompson is hotting up after the gap between fifth and sixth placed skippers closed to just 30 miles with 2,000 miles remaining to their finish in Les Sables d'Olonnes.
While Armel Le Cleac'h clinches second place in the Vendee Globe, the race between Dee Caffari and Brian Thompson is hotting up after the gap between fifth and sixth placed skippers closed to just 30 miles with 2,000 miles remaining to their finish in Les Sables d'Olonnes.
In the past 24 hours, Dee and Aviva have made up the miles they lost in the Doldrums, slashing the distance to Bahrain Team Pindar by half but there is still a long way to go and much to do before she can entertain thoughts of moving up through the rankings.
"I'm really pleased because it was frustrating to have lost 300 miles in the Doldrums so it feels great to close the gap," Dee said.
"I don't really know how I have done it because I have just sailed the breeze and not really pushed the boat but Aviva is definitely on a mission. I can't slow her down!
"We have 2,000 miles to go so there is a chance of closing further. There are a couple of stopping areas where there are light airs and they might not let Brian through and I might be able to catch up more or we might both get stuck in it for a while so there is potential.
"It is very unusual to change places with this far to go but never say never. It is exciting to have these small battles going on with Roxy and Safran and me and Brian so there isn't just a procession to the finish. But congratulations to Armel. He has sailed an awesome race."
The temptation to day dream about eating proper food and having face-to-face conversations is becoming stronger as the finish approaches but Dee is trying her best to concentrate on the here and now, especially after her last experience of racing when she dismasted 300 miles from the finish in the Transat Ecover BtoB race in December 2007.
"That was a useful lesson learned so I am trying hard to concentrate on the next few days. But as soon as someone finishes, people start making plans for the finish so it is almost impossible not to think about it."
For the moment though, Dee is keeping a firm eye on the grib files and watching for her opportunity to wiggle through the high pressure system
"I am currently negotiating my way past the high pressure but I have had a good breeze all night which has allowed me to sail quickly in the right direction. I reckon I have another decent breeze before it gets light and I have to do my little wiggle through the light patch. As long as my routing is right and the weather does what the grib files say, I will be ok. If not I will struggle.
"The mainsail is still disintegrating and it will be tested further over the next few days. Whenever I put in a reef or take one out, I have to make sure the conditions are exactly right. I get a shower of confetti whenever I put in a reef or take one out but the main danger is the exposed fibres - if they get caught on anything, that will be it. Sail over.
"It is still falling apart. I hope I still have the mainsail at the end. It has done a lot of miles in this condition now so I am confident it can get me to the finish but I just need to be careful."
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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