Dee Caffari will wave goodbye to 2008 in miserably wet and drizzly weather but was hoping her New Year, whenever it dawns, would usher in some sunshine and inspire her to make a fresh round of resolutions.
Dee Caffari will wave goodbye to 2008 in miserably wet and drizzly weather but was hoping her New Year, whenever it dawns, would usher in some sunshine and inspire her to make a fresh round of resolutions.
Having crossed the date line earlier this week, Caffari was unsure when she and Aviva would be celebrating the New Year and was putting off making any resolutions for 2009.
"Every year I aim to stop biting my nails but that's never happened and I'm not sure that being down here with all this stress is the best time to be trying that again."
"I could do with some sunshine though because I need to get out on deck and patch up my mainsail because it is falling apart. It needs to come down but to do that I need it to be sunny.
"I have been patching it for the whole of the Southern Ocean but the patches keep falling off so I am trying something different. All the layers are separating so I need to do something and hopefully I will be able to do it tomorrow because the forecast is for it to be easier and the winds to be lighter."
Over the past few days, Dee's battle for 10th position with Arnaud Boissieres onboard Akena Verandas has intensified and today she gained a 10-mile advantage and was full of anticipation as to what the next position report would bring.
"Arnaud and I are in e-mail contact and it is nice being so close. He told me had a lot of sunshine today whereas it been really wet but I'm not sure if these lighter winds will allow me to gain a few miles."
The latest position report shows Caffari has increased her lead over Boissieres to 12 miles and Aviva's average speed has been half a knot faster over the last 24 hours.
Caffari added: "They are saying it is the worst weather the Vendée has ever had. I've had worst weather when I've been down here before but I was in a boat which was designed for that sort of weather. It's very different when you are racing in an Open 60.
"But I am really enjoying this. I can't believe I am half way round the world in 50 days. It is really cool doing it this fast."
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
M: +44 (0) 7801 351950
E: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Kelly Russell
M: +44 (0)7786 516570
E: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website:
www.avivaoceanracing.com
Images:
www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
Notes to editors:
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