British yachtswoman Dee Caffari and her Open 60 racing yacht Aviva are approximately three days from the finish line of the Vendée Globe yacht race and setting a new double world first.
- Solo yachtswoman Dee Caffari is just three days from the successful completion of her extraordinary double round-the-world record attempt
British yachtswoman Dee Caffari and her Open 60 racing yacht Aviva are approximately three days from the finish line of the Vendée Globe yacht race and setting a new double world first. The solo yachtswoman is attempting to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world by completing the world toughest yacht race.
Caffari has been supported by Aviva, the world's fifth largest insurance group since she sailed into the record books in May 2006 and became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop the "wrong" way around the world, against the prevailing winds and currents. Now less than three years later the former PE teacher, who only started sailing professionally ten years ago, is just three days from completing her solo circumnavigation the "right" way around the world.
The solo yachtswoman is hoping for good winds to bring her across the finish line this weekend but the curse of "Friday the 13th" seems to have struck as a high pressure in the Bay of Biscay may delay her until Monday morning. Unfortunately this means Caffari will not be on dry land for Valentine's Day and will miss the opportunity to celebrate her seventh anniversary with boyfriend Harry Spedding.
Caffari said from onboard Aviva: "I was hoping to get back and celebrate Valentines Day with Harry in person but with my mainsail problems and the weather forecast for light winds, I may be a little later than I originally thought. We will have to make do with a chat on the phone and save the romance for when we actually see each other."
Caffari is pushing hard for the finish line off the coast of Les Sables d'Olonne, France and is expected to complete the Vendée Globe race in sixth position. The solo skipper has spent 96 days at sea to date and is expected to finish on day 99. Compared to her last solo circumnavigation that took 178 days Caffari's Vendée Globe race has been a relative sprint around the world.
However, three months at sea takes its toll and with three days to go Caffari has spent some time thinking about all the things that will await her. She describes the top five things she is looking forward to when she returns to land for the first time since 9 November 2008.
Dee Caffari's most wanted:
- A big hug
"Long distant relationships are never easy so I'm really looking forward to seeing my boyfriend Harry and a big bear hug. Harry and I went on our first date on Valentine's Day seven years ago so I'm looking forward to a big cuddle when I get back on dry land." - Diet Coke and pizza
"Hopefully we'll be celebrating in a few days time but instead of Champagne bubbles what I'm really looking forward to is a Diet Coke and pizza. I think that may be my first meal, nothing too glamorous but I've got cravings already!" - Hot power shower
"It's no real surprise but to have a hot power shower with shampoo and conditioner is pretty high up on my most wanted right now." - A crunchy apple
"I don't want to keep going on about food but I'm looking forward to anything with a crunch. A big crunchy apple would be great. I've had enough of freeze dried food and boil in the bag." - Full body exfoliation
"I'm no salty sea dog, as soon as I can I'm going to a spa for a full exfoliation and pampering session. It's much needed after three months at sea!"
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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
News services
The following services will be made available for use by all media:
TV footage/VNR - APP will feed a VNR taken from Dee Caffari crossing the finish line and setting her new world record together with archive footage and relevant interviews. APP will provide a feed of an in-depth interview with Dee Caffari for use by all media.
Contact: Lisa Hynes, Sunset+Vine APP +44 (0) 1865 260200, +44 (0) 7966 272 256 or Caroline Ayling, Synergy +44 (0) 7801 351950.
Photography - onEdition will provide images free for editorial use.
Contact: Dan Towers +44(0)7973 859602 or Matthew Dickens +44(0)7836 299301 or images can be downloaded from the Aviva gallery at: www.w-w-i.com/aviva_ocean_racing/
Radio - An audio package for radio will be produced and syndicated.
Contact: Caroline Ayling, Synergy +44 (0) 7801 351950.
Interview Requests:
Please contact Caroline Ayling or Kelly Russell for interview requests with Dee Caffari.
The following members of the Aviva Ocean Racing shore team will also be available for interview on request:
- Andrew Roberts, Aviva Ocean Racing campaign director
- Harry Spedding, Aviva Ocean Racing campaign manager
- Joff Brown, Aviva Ocean Racing project manager
Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
Notes to editors:
Aviva is the leading provider of life and pensions to Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2007.
Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £49.2 billion and funds under management of £359 billion at 30 June 2008.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.