As Dee Caffari sails ever closer to achieving her double world first, to become the only woman in history to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world, the solo skipper is beginning to look forward to arriving back on dry land.
As Dee Caffari sails ever closer to achieving her double world first, to become the only woman in history to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world, the solo skipper is beginning to look forward to arriving back on dry land.
Aviva,"I think I might struggle with being told what to do because on Aviva I am in complete control of everything I do every minute of the day. I make all the decisions and take full responsibility for them. What is really hard is coming back and having to cope with external influences on ones life. I know when I get back in, my life will not be my own and people will be telling me what my itinerary is and that sort of thing and I think initially I might struggle with going from having complete control to having no control. That will be hard.
"As soon as I am finished and am no longer responsible for the boat or for myself, I will probably realise how tired I am. I am really looking forward to being with people - because I like to see all the non verbal expressions that you don't get in telephone conversations. I am fascinated by those expressions so can't wait to be face to face with people again and I shall be talking loads when I get back."
The former PE teacher from Hertfordshire is now beginning to day dream about eating fresh food but is also anticipating a night on the tiles to celebrate her double world first.
"When I open my freeze dried packs now I am thinking about fresh fruit and salad or a crunch of an apple. And it will be weird going from having a 24 hour day to having a day time and night time. Last time I really struggled with sleeping through the night so I am anticipating getting up every couple of hours thinking I need to go and check something.
"I am looking forward to a long hot shower or a soak in a bubble bath but the sleep thing won't be an issue. I will just need a quick hours snooze then be ready to party all night."
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Sunday 8 February 2009 at 7pm GMT:
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"Today I have had four seasons in one day or it certainly feels like it. At dawn we were slow, trying to make the best of the breeze and it wasn't quite as the grib files suggested so I had to be patient. Then during the afternoon the sun was glorious and I sat outside and enjoyed it as we went along downwind. I knew the wind was to come forward on us and in anticipation I changed my headsail. Then whilst down below the wind did a quick 180 degrees and rather than being at 20 knots rose to 35 knots with a sea state to match. Now I had a bit on and got thoroughly drowned in the process.
"So now I find myself sat in a northerly wind that has a rough sea state and a grey miserable sky to match. The wind strength is very up and down but I am now cautious as my main sail doesn't like these conditions very much and the fibres are getting close to giving out, so I have to think big picture of getting to the finish line."
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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Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
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