A constant battle

Friday January 15, 18:00 GMT 2010

Dee Caffari was awarded an MBE in recognition of her solo circumnavigation against the prevailing winds and currents, setting a world record in the process by becoming the first woman to complete this epic voyage in 2006. More recently Dee competed in the 2008-09 Vendee Globe - a race around the world, non-stop single-handed.

A former secondary school teacher of Physical Education, Dee decided after five years to change careers and in 2004, was the only female skipper in the Global Challenge Race, an event for amateur sailors, racing around the world against the prevailing conditions. Four months after finishing that race Dee set off again to attempt the same journey, but alone.

As I was preparing for the biggest race of my life in October 2008, eight high-tech Volvo Open 70s set sail from Alicante in Spain to begin the 10th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. Spanish Castle to White Night is the story of that race, brought to life by novelist and professional sailor Mark Chisnell.

A stunning photographic library complements Mark's words throughout and the imagery alone would make a fantastic coffee table book. However, to skip over the story supporting the breathtaking pictures would be to overlook the exciting account that follows.

Rather than attempt to connect with each and every one of the competitors, which could have led to many disparate threads, the author selected a smaller group, which interestingly, did not include any of the skippers.

The reader is taken on some varied personal journeys to live through the senses of a select few. As we follow the crews, the physical and mental stress of the race is brought to life as key issues such as tactical decisions and the repercussions of those decisions play out.

As the skipper of a high-tech racing machine myself, I know only too well that maintenance, repairs and the basics of keeping these machines operating (let alone operating at their peak) is a constant battle.

I was always keen to receive regular updates whilst I was racing. One leg that fascinated me at the time and had me on tenterhooks again when I read the full account of it, is the story of leg four, from Singapore to Qingdao.

The decision to race hard or be prudent is difficult and can result in significant cost implications. Never is this more apparent than in the account of each boat throughout this gruelling period.

The skippers weigh up the race expectations, sponsor demands and the fact that the lives of the crew are their responsibility in these treacherous conditions.

The role of the skipper is a huge burden to carry and hazardous episodes of the race test their accountability to the full. It is a Volvo Ocean Race leg that will never be forgotten and one that no one will want to repeat.

Emotions, tactics and conditions are brought to life for the reader throughout and, whether you are a sailor or not, you will find yourself carried around the world on a captivating journey.

On the way you will meet remarkable crews, explore technically advanced yachts and, with barely enough time to catch breath at the description of the stopover, be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime from the comfort of your home.