Round-the-world yachtswoman, Dee Caffari, has celebrated her 38th birthday at sea during the double-handed Barcelona World Race.

Caffari, the only woman to sail non-stop and solo around the world in both directions, and partner, Spaniard Anna Corbella, currently lie ninth in the circumnavigating race.

In her blog for the Daily Telegraph Caffari said: ‘For most thirtysomethings birthday celebrations will involve a night out on the town. However, before the frivolity gets underway there will be some elaborate preening which is all part of the enjoyment for us girls.

‘For my birthday this weekend, a slightly revised plan was called for. A salt water shower was the extent of my pampering and my treat for the day was a pair of clean pants.’

Caffari revealed that her and Corbella marked the occasion by swapping their game of chess for snakes and ladders.

The race is now the longest amount of time that Corbella has spent at sea and Caffari said: ‘Anna is in unchartered territory as we continue to make the big dip south and, apart from the frustrations that the South Atlantic weather has delivered, she is quite content on the good ship GAES Centros Auditivos.

‘As we pass up and down the leader board we must keep in mind that we have a long way to go and will not allow a difficult South Atlantic to get us down.’

Click here for the latest positions in the race.

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