Dee Caffari's countdown to the end of the Vendée Globe and the successful completion of her double world record attempt is gaining momentum.
Dee Caffari's countdown to the end of the Vendée Globe and the successful completion of her double world record attempt is gaining momentum. The solo skipper is approaching the Azores in the North Atlantic at a steady eight knots despite further degradation to Aviva's mainsail.
In Caffari's latest diary she reports that the mainsail fibres are continuing to break and are now "streaming out the back of the sail". The final miles into Les Sables d'Olonne are certainly going to test the former PE teacher with varying wind conditions, continuing mainsail problems and anticipation of completing her double world first.
Caffari is hoping to cross the finish line over the weekend but with a ridge of high pressure due to sweep across the Bay of Biscay she may have to be patient before claiming her double world first title. The Aviva Ocean Racing team now anticipate Aviva's estimated time of arrival between late Sunday 15 February and early Monday 16 February.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Monday 9 February 2009 at 6.1pm5 GMT:
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"Last night was a busy night with reefs going in and out and headsails being changed, as the wind was very unstable. It was very difficult to find a suitable sail plan for the wind and sea state. Daylight this morning revealed further damage to the mainsail with the fibres breaking and streaming out the back of the sail like extremely long tell tales. It was a reminder that I still have many miles to go and this mainsail has to get me to the finish line.
"Today was light winds with blue skies and white clouds. Very pleasant except for the huge north westerly swell that stopped me in my tracks as soon as Aviva fell off the top of a wave. It was jarring progress but it was a northerly route I had to take to get round the high pressure that was passing eastwards to the north of me. I see that Pindar has been negotiating the same high pressure but a little closer to the centre. We should both pick up a new wind flow tonight that will see us in heavy reaching conditions for a couple of days before we need to tackle our last obstacle, another high pressure protecting the Bay of Biscay."
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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For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
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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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