Dee Caffari's Open 60 yacht Aviva has spent the last 24 hours averaging just over nine knots and has caught up 40 miles on Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar).
Dee Caffari's Open 60 yacht Aviva has spent the last 24 hours averaging just over nine knots and has caught up 40 miles on Brian Thompson (Bahrain Team Pindar). The solo skipper is currently in sixth position in the Vendée Globe fleet and now only 2,600 miles from completing her ultimate goal - to achieve a double world first.
The former PE teacher from Hertfordshire is aiming to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world by completing the race. Having seen Roland Jourdain (Veolia) forced to retire earlier this week just 1,000 miles from the finish Caffari is concentrating on getting herself and Aviva to the finish line. The Aviva Ocean Racing shore team has forecast Caffari's expected time of arrival between 14th and 16th February.
Dee Caffari's latest diary entry received on Tuesday 3 February 2009 at 6.20pm GMT:
To receive Dee's diary automatically, visit www.avivaoceanracing.com/rss to sign up for the RSS feed.
"The foulies are back on each time I want to go outside to check the trim or put a reef in or shake it out. The bumpy ride continues with Aviva crashing off some big waves which sends shivers down my spine as the noise is horrible. Each morning is spent with a deck check and the revolting job of throwing the nights collection of flying fish caught by Aviva as she sails back into the water.
"I have been spending time looking at the weather and at the moment I hope things change as it looks like the group ahead will get through and then the Azores high elongates east to west to shut me out from reaching the favourable winds beyond. Another two days of doldrums will be a cruel blow so close yet so far from the finish!"
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.
-ends-
For further information and interview requests contact:
Caroline Ayling
Mobile: +44 (0) 7801 351950
E-mail: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
Kelly Russell
Mobile: +44 (0)7786 516570
E-mail: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Website: www.avivaoceanracing.com
Images: www.avivaoceanracing.com/images
Notes to editors:
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 2007.
Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £49.2 billion and funds under management of £359 billion at 30 June 2008.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.
For broadcast-standard video, please visit our video section.