Dee Caffari has sailed around the world six times. She is the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world a total of three times.
In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement.
Dee recently led ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ – the first mixed gender youth team to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18; with a strong sustainability message. Off the water, the issue of single use plastic in our oceans gained huge momentum and has inspired many people to take action in their day to day lives. Dee will continue to highlight the vital importance of reducing our dependence on plastics.
Outside of sailing, Dee continues to showcase her talents as a presenter and on the motivational speaker circuit. Dee also spends time supporting her chosen charities and is Chair of the World Sailing Trust, a new global charity that will promote the health of oceans and grow participation of the sport to protect its future.
Dee’s records & feats
Dee set a world record by becoming the first woman to complete a circumnavigation of the globe against the prevailing winds and currents in 2006.
Dee competed in the 2008/9 Vendée Globe – a race around the world, non-stop and alone. She crossed the finish line in 6th place out of 30 starters.
Dee crossed the finish line of the Barcelona World Race in April 2011 and on completion of this race entered the record books once again as the only woman to have circumnavigated the globe, non-stop, three times.
Dee joined Team SCA and set a new speed record for a female crew, circumnavigating Britain and Ireland in 2014 after they completed the race in 4 days 21 hours and 39 seconds, beating her previous record.
In 2017/18, Dee skippered the first mixed gender youth team to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race. Racing under the United Nations Environment initiative Clean Seas Turn the Tide on Plastic.