Caffari round the island

Solo non-stop round the world heroine to take to two hulls

Following her record breaking solo circumnavigation of the globe ‘the wrong way round’, Dee Caffari is to join the Basilica Volvo Extreme 40 crew for this year’s JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. The news is a fantastic boost for the Hayling Island-based team, who are looking to break the record for this prestigious race, and the presence of sailing’s latest superstar is sure to generate even more interest and expectation ahead of the start on 3 June.

The announcement of Caffari’s participation comes as preparations are being finalised for the fourth round of the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix series in Portsmouth. The Grand Prix takes place ahead of the Round the Island Race from 27 May until 1 June. The all-British team will be hoping that the home crowds and waters can propel them past first placed Tommy Hilfiger on the overall series leader-board. The Basilica team currently lie in second place, six points behind the American boat and one point clear of third placed Holmatro.

Following the spectacular stadium sailing in Baltimore harbour during the third VX40 Grand Prix at the end of April, record crowds are expected in Portsmouth over the Bank Holiday weekend. Over 400,000 people witnessed the racing in Baltimore, making it the highest attended sailing event ever to take place in the United States.

The Portsmouth Grand Prix comprises five days of racing and takes place from Saturday 27 May until Thursday 1 June, with a rest day on Monday 29 May. Racing is scheduled to begin at 14:00 each day with the five teams expected to compete in at least three 30 minute races per day.

Team Basilica skipper James Grant is looking forward to sailing in front of a home crowd and is delighted to have Dee Caffari on board for the Round the Island Race:

“Having Dee on board the Basilica VX40 for the Round the Island Race is fantastic news for everyone. Her round the world accomplishment is awe inspiring and we hope we can add a Round the Island race victory and possibly new record to her long list of accomplishments.

Before we get ahead of ourselves however we have a Grand Prix to think about. The Portsmouth Grand Prix has always been the focal point for Team Basilica. The racing so far has been extremely close and very exciting and we are delighted to be in second position overall. Now, however, the expectations are even higher – we are racing in front of a home crowd, in waters that we all know, and we desperately want to give the British crowds something to cheer about. We will be giving our all to achieve success here and set everything up for a show down in the final Grand Prix in Rotterdam.”

Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series Overall Points Standings:

1. Tommy Hilfiger – 26 points
2. Basilica – 20 points
3. Holmatro – 19 points
4. Motorola CHR – 18 points
5. Volvo Ocean Race – 16 points

Remaining Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series Dates:
Portsmouth, UK 27 May-1 June, 2006
Round the Island Race, Isle of Wight, 3 June
Rotterdam, Netherlands 9-14 June, 2006