Dee sets out to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in both directions

Leading up to the start of the Vendée Globe race…..

Les Sables d’Olonne, France is host to the start and finish of this solo race around the globe. Record crowds attended the Vendée Globe race village in the 3 weeks preceding the start, with queues of up to 2 hours to gain entrance to the bustling pontoons. Just as the race entry numbers are twice as large as they were in 2004, the footprint of the race village had grown proportionately with some 800,000 visitors flowing through the gates to view the Open 60’s and catch a glimpse of some of the skippers.

Dee spent her time in Les Sables D’Olonne involved in an eclectic mix of activities ranging from media interviews, meeting fans and promoting the French version of her book ‘Against the Flow’, to practising with new weather software and taking Aviva out on a training sail for the very last time before she set off alone.

On returning from her final test sail, Dee commented:

‘My tummy flipped as I realised the next time I hoist the main will be for the real thing. There are no more chances for practise, no more time for training sails. We are now at the time for action, it’s very exciting.’

As a former teacher, Dee was delighted to spend time meeting French children in the education space within the village. 10,000 children visited with their schools to enjoy the interactive displays, celebrate and learn the rich history of the event and meet the skippers. With the use of the Dee Caffari Education Pack, the Vendée Globe race can be used as a focal point for geography, maths, weather, healthy eating and many other subjects. The pack is available for all teachers and parents to download please click here. If you are interested in finding out more about the Education Pack please email annemarie@deecaffari.com

For all the Vendée Globe race news and up to date position reports, log onto www.avivaoceanracing.com