Yachtswoman finally reaches land
Yachtswoman finally reaches land
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Age: 37
Position: Forward
Country: Iran
Club: Saba Battery
National Appearances: 145
Goals: 109
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Sunday, 21, May 2006 01:56
The first yachtswoman to sail around the globe the 'wrong way' without stopping has finally stepped onto dry land.
Dee Caffari, 33, had spent nearly six months at sea when she arrived in Ocean Village, Southampton.
She was greeted by her mother and the Princess Royal, and was presented with a medal for completing her 29,000-mile solo voyage.
The former teacher from Gosport, Hampshire, sailed westwards around the world against the prevailing currents and winds in 178 days.
"I can't describe how happy I am," she said when she crossed the finishing line at Cornwall on Thursday.
"There were a few moments during the voyage when I really didn't think this day would come so this is a very special feeling.
"The journey was one of extremes and while there were times when it got so tough I didn't think I could carry on, I was also privileged to experience some magic moments with the ocean all to myself."
Sir Chay Blyth, who was the first person to complete the same voyage in 1971, said he was awed by her achievement.
"She has inspired the imagination of a worldwide audience, and has joined only four other men who have achieved this feat to become the first woman to complete a solo and non-stop west-about circumnavigation," he said.
"Others may follow but she will always remain the first." 