Three Cheers for Dee!

I last wrote about Dee Caffari some months ago on Valentines Day (see post: Valentine Wishes to Dee Caffari) - at that point she was on the verge of passing the halfway mark of her attempt to become the first woman to circumnavigate the world solo non-stop against the prevailing winds and currents.

The tragic news from the Volvo has dominated sailing news...no suprise that last week it overshadowed the glory of Dee's accomplishment...but I think it's the right way to start anew this Monday despite the lingering sadness of Hans Horrevoets' death.

Last Thursday, May 18, the 33-year-old from Portsmouth, England completed a passage which ensures her a place in maritime history. After numerous setbacks, countless emotional and physical highs and lows...not to mention 29,100 ocean miles left astern, Dee's 178 day, 3 hour, 6 minute and 15 second journey ended off Lizard Point.

"It was a voyage of absolute extremes, and it pushed my limits further than I had imagined. There were times when I couldn’t see an end to it and I questioned whether I could do it. One of the hardest things was the mental challenge of dealing with it all on my own, but the support from my shore team and the outstanding performance of the yacht helped me bounce back when it got really tough. Now I’m physically and mentally exhausted but I don’t think I’ve ever been happier and I can’t wait to celebrate the achievement surrounded by family and friends!"
- Dee Caffari, May 18, 2006