Dee Carrafi Triumph
May 19, 2006 09:04 0 comments
Yachtswoman Dee Caffari, 33, has triumphed over extreme isolation, lethal icebergs, mountainous waves, vicious storms and hurricane force winds to set a new world record as the first woman to sail round the world solo, non-stop against the prevailing winds and currents.
Caffaris record-breaking 29,100 mile voyage lasted 178 days, 3 hours, 6 minutes and 15 seconds*. She crossed the official finish line in sight of the observer from the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC)** off Lizard Point, UK, and completed a passage which ensures her a place in maritime history.
When I crossed the line I was overwhelmed with emotion, it was the proudest moment of my life and becoming the first woman to complete this voyage is a great honour. I have been dreaming about this moment since the idea was first born, visualising it when things got tough and thinking about how it would feel, and when I did it a huge wave of relief and happiness washed over me, said Caffari.
Sir Chay Blyth, Caffaris mentor and the first person to complete the same arduous voyage in 1971, commented:
Dee has demonstrated an astonishing range of skills and attributes to complete this remarkable voyage. Her determination is second to none and she has inspired people all over the world to take on their own challenges.
Sailing round the world against the prevailing winds and currents has been so hard because the elements were literally against Caffari for much of the voyage. The straight-line course around the world from east to west is
approximately 24,500, but Caffari was forced to sail an extra 4600 miles.
Caffari will now make her way to Ocean Village in Southampton, UK where HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Challenge Business International Limited, will welcome her back to dry land at the end of her marathon journey. HRH The Princess Royal was the first person to welcome home Dee’s mentor, Sir Chay Blyth, when he became the first person to complete this voyage back in 1971. Thousands of people are expected to celebrate her homecoming which is scheduled to be 12.00 noon (BST) Sunday 21 May 2006.
http://www.avivachallenge.com
