Yachtswoman set for round the world trip
It took many nautical miles but Dee Caffari says she has finally bonded with Aviva – her yacht.
The yachtswoman has been sponsored by Aviva since she became the first woman to sail solo and non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents, during November 2005 through to May 2006.
Caffari’s latest success is completing her first solo ocean race during the Artemis Transat in Boston after spending 16 days, two hours and five minutes on the water.
She said: “I’m exhausted and elated at the same time – racing just takes every last emotion out of you. I’ll never forget this. It’s the first solo race I’ve completed and Aviva and I have really bonded.”
Caffari’s completion of the Artemis Transat means she has technically qualified for the Vendée Globe race in November and is one step closer to realising her ultimate goal – to become the first woman to sail solo non-stop around the world in both directions.
But Aviva is due to be fitted with a new keel later this summer so Caffari is expecting to have to set another ratifying passage that she must complete to ensure she can line up in Les Sables d’Olonne on 9 November.
