Dee's knee concerns

Aviva skipper on anti-biotics to reduce soreness and swelling

Following Aviva skipper Dee Caffari’s concerns yesterday about an infection in her left knee, the British solo yachtswoman seems to be reacting well to anti-biotics and has reported a ‘reduced soreness and swelling’. Helped by the St Helena high, Caffari has been able to pace herself in order to allow her knee as much rest as possible.

Caffari seems in jovial spirits as her fellow competitors, including former Vendée Globe winner and sailing legend Michel Desjoyeaux, sent her cheeky notes to remind her to turn ‘left’!

The Aviva Ocean Racing shore team continue to communicate regularly with Caffari to ensure her knee injury is improving and Dr Spike Briggs, part of Caffari’s shore-based medical support team, reported this morning: "It seems as though the anti-inflammatory and anti-biotics are working and Dee’s knee is improving. However, we will continue to monitor her knee under scrutiny over the next three to four days as she enters the Southern Ocean. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on this throughout the whole race."

Dee Caffari’s latest diary entry:

Well a new week, a new month and a more hopeful Dee.

After being pretty worried yesterday to the extent of seriousness my knee could lead to if not caught early enough with the drugs, I was a model patient and I am forever thankful to the St Helena High for serving up easy light winds for a couple of days. I have tried as much as possible to stay off my knee and taken my tablets. I have held a conservative sail plan but have been fortunate to have kept moving by some strategic gybing and have not lost too many miles given that if my knee does not recover my worst fear of the race being over could have happened.

"Today's signs show good improvement and reduced soreness and swelling. I am smiling and have enjoyed some great sailing today. After a brief light patch I entered a cloud with torrential rain and a consistent 18 knots that gave me good progress and a chance to wash Aviva of her sticky salt residue. Now we are both clean, fresh and feeling much better as we enjoy the last of the sun this evening.

"I have even got the hang of the course now and realise we are all turning left. This is very exciting for me as it is the first time I have turned left and the fleet have been sending me messages to remind me. Cheeky devils!

Dee and Aviva