Dee Caffari continues to make steady progress in the Vendée Globe whilst taking advantage of blue skies and steady wind off the Brazilian coastline.
Dee Caffari continues to make steady progress in the Vendée Globe whilst taking advantage of blue skies and steady wind off the Brazilian coastline. The solo skipper of Aviva has made good ground over the last 24 hours covering 300 miles making her the second fastest in the fleet behind Brian Thompson just one position ahead. The pair have broken away from Frenchman Arnaud Boissieres and are now chasing fellow Brit Sam Davies onboard Roxy.
In Caffari's latest diary she reports that the repairs to her damaged mainsail are beginning to peel off. The sail will need continuous management as she heads towards the finish and her ultimate goal to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world. However, despite the damage, Caffari's determination sees her progress steadily and she has been able to keep up the pace with Thompson.
Aviva maintains seventh position over night and stretches her lead over Akenda Verandas to over 300 miles.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Friday 23 January at 5.30pm GMT:
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"I have had a very special day today. I think being alone at sea allowed me to celebrate my birthday with more people than I would have at home.
"I had messages and phone calls from other skippers, messages from friends and family as well as an overwhelming number from supporters following the race and Aviva's progress. The team had stashed some presents and numerous cards onboard so I was able to open them and enjoy the fact that a present was a chocolate sponge pudding and a bottle of Diet Coke. They both tasted fantastic but were over way too quick.
"The other present was the fact that the wind filled in this morning. Probably a couple of hours after Brian on Pindar which explains his get away, but Aviva has been sailing a great pace all day in the right direction. Blue skies with fluffy clouds have surrounded us and the sea has been smooth making it comfortable sailing.
"My only concern is listening to the fluttering of the repair I did the other day on the mainsail blowing in the wind, as half of it has come unstuck and now it will need to wait a couple of days for the right conditions to drop the main and fix it again. Still while we are making good progress it reduces the number of days my mainsail needs to last for!"
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:
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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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