Aviva at the start of the 2009 TJV. Image copyright Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images.
by Kelly Russell
A second night of consistent sailing has enabled Dee Caffari and Brian Thompson, onboard Aviva, to move up the ranking into second place in the Transat Jacques Vabre race. The order of the Open 60 IMOCA class has changed repeatedly over night with Sébastian Josse and Jean François Cuzon on BT currently in the lead.
The depression and cold front due to arrive later today will bring winds of over 40 knots and building seas, making for uncomfortable sailing. Caffari and Thompson will be looking to battle competitively through these conditions to safeguard their position within the fleet.
The 10h00 race ranking positioned Dee Caffari and Brian Thompson, onboard Aviva, in second place, 4.3 miles behind race leader BT.
Dee Caffari and Brian Thompson’s latest diary entry received on 10 November 2009 at 07h00 GMT 101109:
“A great sail reaching west was enjoyable with cold water tumbling across the deck. This soon went forward on us and when we were happy we had reached the front we tacked. This depression was just a warm up for what lies ahead. It held no more than 26 knots of wind with some rain thrown in for good measure.
“Brian has been disturbing any chance of sleep he may have had the chance for during the night, as weather charts flash before his eyes. No joke we have downloaded every model possible from all available sources and there is no getting away from the next depression in the Atlantic. In fact it swamps the whole ocean and delivers an evil punch. We are having to face up to the fact that this week will be mainly spent sailing in uncomfortable conditions of which some or most is upwind. The winds are looking like they will reach in excess of 45 knots and with that will be a large and dangerous swell for the boats to battle through.
“When I signed up to this race, I had visions of sailing to the Caribbean by heading south until the temperatures warmed up, then setting the spinnaker and downwind sailing in clear blue skies with fluffy clouds in a bikini... That is what the brochure advertised, I am sure!
“Anyway we can hope things may change but also face up to the fact that there will be a certain amount of clenched buttocks for the next few days.”
Aviva Ocean Racing
Transat Jacques Vabre
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