On Sunday 12 August, Dee Caffari, the British record-breaking yachtswoman, will start the Rolex Fastnet Race with four-time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Matthew Pinsent, onboard her Open 60 yacht Aviva.
On Sunday 12 August, Dee Caffari, the British record-breaking yachtswoman, will start the Rolex Fastnet Race with four-time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Matthew Pinsent, onboard her Open 60 yacht Aviva. The former Olympic oarsman is filming the race for the BBC as one of the non-participative journalists reporting on this year's race.
The Fastnet race is the next stepping-stone in Caffari's Aviva Ocean Racing campaign, as she progresses towards her ultimate goal of becoming the first woman to sail solo around the world in both directions. Starting from Cowes, the Fastnet race is considered to be one of the world's classic ocean races, the course will take the fleet around the historic Fastnet Rock, south of Ireland, and then on to the finish line in Plymouth. Onboard Aviva, Pinsent will experience first-hand the challenges and extreme nature of offshore racing in one of the world's most powerful and technical racing classes. Throughout the 608-mile course the Olympian will endure some of the racing conditions Caffari will encounter next year when she competes in the gruelling solo round-the-world race, the Vendee Globe 2008/09.
The Open 60 class in the Fastnet race is double-handed and Dee will be competing with her weather routing tactician and trainer Mike Broughton. Broughton has a distinguished track record in this biannual race, having participated on thirteen occasions. Caffari will be using his experience during the race to develop her weather routing skills and learn how to make valuable tactical decisions, vitally important in competitive Open 60 racing.
Sir Matthew Pinsent said: "I'm really excited about racing with Dee, it's a great opportunity to experience ocean racing and life onboard these powerful Open 60 yachts. At 6'4" I am hoping not to hit my head too often, and Dee has already offered me a crash helmet!"
Dee Caffari added: "It's an honour to have Matt onboard Aviva, his presence will certainly keep us highly motivated. Mike and I are going to have to work extra hard to fulfil Matt's gold medal standard. As this is a short and intense race, competing against some of the new generation boats, Mike's experience is going to be invaluable as tactical decisions will be our key to success."
To follow Caffari's progress in the Rolex Fastnet Race and to read her daily diaries log on to http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/.
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For further information contact:
Caroline Ayling
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2840
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
E-mail: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2862
Mobile: 07786 516570
E-mail: kellyr@karen-earl.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Aviva
Caffari's sponsor 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 2006.
Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £41.5 billion and assets under management of £364 billion at 31 December 2006.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.
Mike Broughton biography
Broughton has enjoyed a wide-ranging career working with the elite of the sailing world on a range of events and races. Both Olympic medallists and around the world race skippers seek his advice on forecasting and weather routing.
He also assists with forecasting for race organisers such as the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the America's Cup. As a racing navigator and skipper he has won many titles and trophies across the world. Broughton also had a successful and varied career in the Royal Navy, flying in the Fleet Air Arm and finally working in British Intelligence, seeing action in several war zones. Broughton is also qualified as a Master to captain huge superyachts.
Sir Matthew Pinsent biography
After an illustrious career in rowing from 1989 to 2004, during which Matthew was able to fulfil all his ambitions including winning four Olympic Gold Medals, he is now turning his hand to journalism and media pursuits.
Currently working at the BBC as a sports reporter with Inside Sport and previously at BBC News 24, Matthew is covering a range of sports from football to horse-racing and from rugby to the Winter Olympics. As yet no rowing!
- Further information on Dee Caffari and her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign can be found at http://www.avivaoceanracing.com/.