First Woman To Sail In Both Directions

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oi-Staff

By Staff

Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 11:50

Dee Caffari is the first woman in the world to sail to sail around the world in both directions all by herself. The sailor of British origin spend 99 days in the sea. She reached the finishing line at the Vendee Globe Yacht race landing the sixth position on February 16.

This was followed by her entry in to the book of world records for being the first woman to sail solo to and fro around the world. "My goal was to set the double world first and I have done it. It's quite a numb feeling now but here I am, the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world. You can't buy a feeling like this," said Dee Caffari.

"I'm lost for words, but I'm sure when the adrenalin wears off, I'll start feeling tired. They say it's a hard race and when it is hard it is very hard. When I get on dry land, I think the first port of call will be a long hot shower and then it will be time to party," she added.

Caffari is also the first woman in the world to sail across the world the 'wrong way' fighting against the tides and revealed that there was disaster and drama in every turn during the Vendee race, also known as the 'Everest of Ocean'. Her main challenge had been the state of her sails, which she tried fixing using skin staples from her medical kit as her boat got caught in a Force 12 hurricane winds.

"The mainsail constantly caused me concern. You just have to look at it to see what a dreadful state it's 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 mainsail wasn't going to get in my way," she said.

Through her challenge, Caffari lived on freeze dried meals mixed with hot water from a kettle and food replacement gels. The only way to wash had been to use baby wipes. According to Sarah Loughran, Head of Corporate sponsorship at Aviva, Caffari's backers, "Dee's performance has been inspirational. She set her sights on the double world first and we've backed her all the way."

"This race has been a testament to her determination, resolve and tenacity," she said. AGENCIES