Ten days into the Vendée Globe, Dee Caffari onboard Aviva is facing conflicting weather models and a messy sea state as she battles her way through the Cape Verde Islands.
Ten days into the Vendée Globe, Dee Caffari onboard Aviva is facing conflicting weather models and a messy sea state as she battles her way through the Cape Verde Islands.
Whilst disappointed that the winds have not been more favourable, Caffari is focussing on the positives and taking advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy showering before hitting the hostile temperatures of the Southern Ocean.
The 10am race ranking showed that Caffari was in 16th place, 50 miles behind Marc Guillemot onboard Safran in 15th position.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received Tuesday 18 November, 8.50pm GMT:
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"A better day as there was lots to occupy myself with. The Cape Verde Islands loomed and no matter where I sailed I was being drawn to them like a magnet. There was no denying that they were on my path regardless. My hope for the wind to give me some more northing was out the window but I was not surprised as the weather models over the last couple of days have not agreed once and so has my routing sending me off in all sorts of directions that have not been possible with the real wind I have experienced. So what is a girl to do?
"Having looked at the extra miles to take the hit early to the west it was going to hurt bad and the wind was making it worse every fifteen minutes or so. I was left with no other option than through the Islands. Shifty breeze and a very messy sea state gave an unpleasant gybing session through the Islands but it made me laugh as when I looked at all the tracks that had been before Aviva and I, her sister ship Ecover had taken the same route. If they are that well in tune I am looking forward to the Southern Ocean, as Mike is the King down there!
"I was so pleased to have exited through the islands that I rewarded myself with a shower and hair wash again. It was great and I may as well enjoy it while I can because it will not be too long before the water is too cold and the chance of a shower has gone."
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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Caroline Ayling
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E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Kelly Russell
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E-mail: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
Images: www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
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