The doldrums continue to hamper Dee Caffari's progress towards the finish line and with rivals moving in stronger trade winds the disappointment from the solo skipper is clear to see in her daily diary.
The doldrums continue to hamper Dee Caffari's progress towards the finish line and with rivals moving in stronger trade winds the disappointment from the solo skipper is clear to see in her daily diary. Her nearest rival, British sailor Brian Thompson, has extended his lead overnight and celebrated crossing the equator just after midnight. Caffari will be hoping that after yet more tacks and gybes the trade winds will finally arrive and allow her to concentrate on trying to close the gap on Thompson.
The race leader, Michel Desjoyeaux, is closing in on the finish line and is expected to arrive this afternoon to a huge reception from thousands of supporters. This will be the first time in the race's history that a sailor has won it for a second time, making his race even more extraordinary.
Aviva is currently in seventh position around 230 miles behind Bahrain Team Pindar.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received 6.20pm 31 January 2009:
To receive Dee's diary automatically, visit http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/rss to sign up for the RSS feed.
"The worst day in the world onboard Aviva. Stuck in the doldrums for what feels like an eternity helpless as we watch the others sail away. Almost as if they took all the wind with them and forgot to leave me any.
"Top wind speed - 4 knots
"Lowest wind speed - 1.2 knots
"Average wind speed - 2.5 knots
"Top boat speed - 5 knots
"Lowest boat speed - 0 knots
"Average boat speed - 2 knots
"Time helming - 10 hours
"Time carrying out maneuvers - 10 hours
"Time sleeping - 1 hour
"Time worrying - 3 hours
"Frustration level - high
"Enjoyment level - low
"Happiness level onboard - rock bottom
"Time spent travelling in the right direction - almost zero!
"It can only get better because it can't possibly get any worse."
Dee
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.
-ends-
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
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.
For broadcast-standard video, please visit our video section.