Volvo Extreme 40

May 24, 2006 16:09 0 comments

Dee Caffari Joins Basilica Volvo Extreme 40 line-up for Round the Island
Race as preparations get underway for Portsmouth VX40 Grand Prix

Following her record breaking solo circumnavigation of the globe ‘the
wrong way round’, Dee Caffari is to join the Basilica Volvo Extreme 40
crew for this year’s JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.
The news is a fantastic boost for the Hayling Island based team, who are
looking to break the record for this prestigious race, and the presence
of sailing’s latest superstar is sure to generate even more interest and
expectation ahead of the start on 3rd June.

The announcement of Caffari’s participation comes as preparations are
being finalised for the fourth round of the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix
series in Portsmouth. The Grand Prix takes place ahead of the Round the
Island Race from 27th May until 1st June. The all-British team will be
hoping that the home crowds and waters can propel them past first placed
Tommy Hilfiger on the overall series leader-board. The Basilica team
currently lie in second place, six points behind the American boat and
one point clear of third placed Holmatro.



Following the spectacular stadium sailing in Baltimore harbour during
the third VX40 Grand Prix at the end of April, record crowds are
expected in Portsmouth over the Bank Holiday weekend. Over 400,000
people witnessed the racing in Baltimore, making it the highest attended
sailing event ever to take place in the United States.

The Portsmouth Grand Prix comprises five days of racing and takes place
from Saturday 27th May until Thursday 1st June, with a rest day on
Monday 29th May. Racing is scheduled to begin at 14:00 each day with the
five teams expected to compete in at least three 30 minute races per
day.

Team Basilica skipper James Grant is looking forward to sailing in front
of a home crowd and is delighted to have Dee Caffari on board for the
Round the Island Race:

“Having Dee on board the Basilica VX40 for the Round the Island Race is
fantastic news for everyone. Her round the world accomplishment is awe
inspiring and we hope we can add a Round the Island race victory and
possibly new record to her long list of accomplishments.

Before we get ahead of ourselves however we have a Grand Prix to think
about. The Portsmouth Grand Prix has always been the focal point for
Team Basilica. The racing so far has been extremely close and very
exciting and we are delighted to be in second position overall. Now,
however, the expectations are even higher – we are racing in front of a
home crowd, in waters that we all know, and we desperately want to give
the British crowds something to cheer about. We will be giving our all
to achieve success here and set everything up for a show down in the
final Grand Prix in Rotterdam.”

After Portsmouth the teams will head to Rotterdam for the fifth and
final Grand Prix in the Volvo Extreme 40 series from 9th – 14th June.