“It's been six weeks since arriving in Hobart with Algimouss Spirit of Canada. During this time we have been slowly getting the boat back to sailing configuration. The remaining Vendee Globe competitors have been racing to the finish in Les Sables and it has been fantastic following the race from the sidelines but I must admit to a twinge of "unfinished business" for us as I watch and read about them going up the "channel" in Les Sables. It's pure magic and it makes my resolve even stronger to be a part of the race again in four years time. The team has a lot of hurdles to overcome and they won't be easy but that is why the Vendee Globe is the hardest race in the world. The new rigging from Navtec has arrived and the two spreaders for the mast are slated to arrive early on Monday the 16th February and with some luck with the weather, the mast will be back up Monday evening. I've decided to sail the boat back and it will take about 3 days to prepare for departure.”
Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada)
 

Dee talks about her weekend movies, the X-factor and her choice of shampoo.  You can listen to her press conference by clicking here

"Still going. We have our own private low formed off the brazilian coast to bend the wind in a more adverse direction than even the ne trades would be. Had perhaps 16 or 18 thunderstroms come through this morning, rain, wind, no wind, 50 degree wind shifts, sails up, sails down, heading for france, heading for mexico, pounding, crashing, keel on, keel off, start over. Knocked the windcharger, already loose, completely off its mount to dangle by its wires. Maybe tomorrow will be better."

Rich Wilson in his daily message

The timing could not be better, the sun is dipping like a huge orange fireball to her west, on the left side of the channel as she comes towards the marina, and the flares are luminous in the evening light. Once again it is amazing how many people have turned out to see the popular Caffari as she arrives and she keeps smiling and waving, laughing at times. In so many ways the finish line may open the release valve on the emotions, but these minutes down the channel are the real reward, the time to fully realise that the race is well and truly over, and the time to celebrate is now.

And the flares are lit, Dee on the bow of the Owen Clarke designed Aviva which was built in New Zealand from the same mould as Mike Golding's Ecover 3 by Hakes Marine.  She is waving furiously, trying not to miss anyone of the thousands of people who have turned out to see her on this Monday evening. From having sailed so much of the race with her French chum Calli, Arnaud Boissieres, he is now not expected to arrive until later in the week.

A perfect evening follows a perfect finish for Dee Caffari as the sun starts to think about going down casting a warm glow over the still waters of the canal and the marina Port Olona. Dee is on the foredeck with her boyfriend Harry as they come into the channel, waving to the big crowds who have turned out in force to greet Dee and her yellow Open 60.