17.02.2009
To see the latest images and press releases of Dee Caffari breaking the
world record today
by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both
ways around the world as she crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe
yacht race in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, please visit the official Aviva
Ocean Racing media gallery at World Wide Images:
http://www.w-w-i.com/aviva_ocean_racing/
WORLD RECORD DEE CAFFARI FIRST WOMAN TO SAIL SOLO, NON-STOP BOTH WAYS
AROUND THE WORLD
Dee Caffari onboard her yacht Aviva completed a double world first at 13:13
(GMT) on 16 February 2009 by crossing the official finish line of the round
the world Vendée Globe yacht race.
British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, 36, has succeeded in the face of adversity
to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming the first woman to sail solo,
non-stop both ways around the world. The former PE teacher from
Hertfordshire crossed the finish line in sixth place with a heavily damaged
indexsail having spent 99 days at sea.
The British skipper, supported by Aviva, the worldıs fifth largest insurance
group, burst into the record books in May 2006 by becoming the first woman
to sail solo, non-stop the wrongı way around the world (against the
prevailing winds and currents). That solo circumnavigation took her 178 days
in a 72 foot steel yacht battling into the wind. Now less than three years
later Caffari, who only started solo sailing in 2005, has taken less than
100 days to complete her solo circumnavigation the rightı way around the
world.
Caffari was surrounded by a flotilla of supporter boats as she crossed the
line, holding bright white flares above her head. The solo sailor said:
³This is just incredible! To see all these people here to watch me cross the
line and make history is just awesome. The support and recognition has been
unbelievable. Iım quite exhausted but Iıll be buzzing for the next few days.
My goal was to set the double world first and Aviva and I have done it. Itıs
an amazing feeling to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both
ways around the world. You just canıt buy an experience like this, itıs
awesome!²
However, the race was not without incident as Caffari was forced to use all
her tenacity and determination to battle her way to the finish line with her
severely damaged indexsail looking like a shredded string vestı. The
indexsail is a solo skipperıs key sail that provides the majority of the
power to the 60 foot carbon fibre racing machine but since the Southern
Ocean Caffari has had continuous problems caused by the sail falling apart.
In an effort to keep the sail in one piece Caffari even resorted to using
the skin staples from her medial kit and had to cut up one of her additional
sails (the code 5) to patch the most badly affected areas. However, three
months of ocean racing with hurricane force winds and enormous waves have
left the sail in tatters. Nonetheless, the British skipper kept her eyes on
the ultimate prize, to set a double world first and make history.
Caffari added:
³The indexsail constantly caused me concern. You just have to look at it to
see what a dreadful state itıs in but I managed to struggle on. I never let
it get the better of me. I had an opportunity here to make history so a
disintegrating indexsail wasnıt going to get in my way. Itıs been frustrating
and tiring but Aviva and I are here now and Iım on cloud nine!²
The Vendée Globe has been littered with drama and excitement, with nineteen
yachts retired from thirty starters making the race a war of attrition. It
has been a battle that Caffari has bravely fought to reach her ultimate
goal.
The solo skipper added:
³The Vendée Globe has a reputation as the Everest of the Seası and this
edition has certainly lived up to its name. There was disaster and drama at
every turn with dismastings, Yann Eliesıs broken leg and Jean Le Camıs
capsize. It was hard not to get distracted but I just had to keep going. My
focus was getting Aviva and I home safe and sound and with the support of my
team Iıve managed that so Iım over the moon.²
Sarah Loughran, head of Corporate Sponsorship at Aviva commented:
³Deeıs performance has been inspirational. She set her sights on the double
world first and weıve backed her all the way. Aviva and our employees in 27
markets across the world are very proud of her today. This race has been a
testament to her determination, resolve and tenacity. Weıre proud to be
recognised as part of the team behind her great individual performance²
-ends-
For further information and interview requests contact:
Kelly Russell
M: +44 (0)7786 516570
E: Kelly.russell@synergy-sponsorship.com
Caroline Ayling
M: +44 (0) 7801 351950
E: caroline.ayling@synergy-sponsorship.com
* Aviva is the leading provider of life and pensions to Europe with
substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the
worldıs fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at
31 December 2007.
* Avivaıs 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 www.thenewsmarket.com/aviva.
Please contact us if you have any specific image requirements to accompany
your copy.
W: http://www.W-W-I.com
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