British Yachtswoman Dee Caffari has made her mark in the record books. In 2006, she became the first woman to sail solo non-stop west/east around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. Only four men have managed to complete this gruelling route before – less than have walked on the moon!

 

For this she was awarded an MBE and named YJA Yachtsman of the Year. Two years later, Dee set out to become the first women to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation in both directions by competing in the east/west Vendée Globe Race and finished a creditable sixth to claim her double world-first.

 

In 2011 Dee and  co-skipper Anna Corbella, successfully completed the Barcelona World Race – 2-person solo non-stop round the world race which gave Dee her third record. The only woman on earth to have sailed non-stop around the world three times.

 

"We can do more than we think we can.  We just have to dare to dream." she says.

 

Remarkably, Dee, a former teacher, only began sailing in 2000. Within 4 years, she had graduated to skipper one of the yachts in the Chay Blyth inspired Global Challenge yacht race around the world. In 2009, Dee and an all-women crew broke the Round Britain and Ireland monohull speed record, completing the 1,800 mile distance in 6 days 11 hours.

 

Dee’s courage, determination and motivation to complete each voyage remains an inspiration to many.  She knows the importance of self-belief, facing fears, and staying focused when times are tough. She also appreciates the importance of the team behind her who were so vital in preparing her yachts as well as supporting her efforts to achieve high performance and ultimate, success.  “I couldn’t have achieved any of this without them.”

 

 

"Dee is an inspiration to us all"