A former teacher, British yachtswoman Dee Caffari sailed into the world record book when she became the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world solo the ‘wrong’ way in 2006. Not one to stay in her comfort zone, Dee then became the first woman to sail single-handed, non-stop around... Read more
A former teacher, British yachtswoman Dee Caffari sailed into the world record book when she became the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world solo the ‘wrong’ way in 2006. Not one to stay in her comfort zone, Dee then became the first woman to sail single-handed, non-stop around the world in both directions by competing in a dramatic Vendée Globe (2008/09) – it is not called ‘The Everest of the Seas’ for nothing. On completing the dual-handed Barcelona World Race in 2011, Dee became the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world on three occasions. Dee has also lead teams in circumnavigations of the planet and to date, has sailed around the world six times. Dee retains a number of world-firsts and speed sailing records.
The issue of single-use plastics in our oceans and climate emergency has gained urgent momentum. Dee is now a prominent ocean advocate having seen the impact of our Oceans’ health first-hand at sea.
Dee led the crew of Turn the Tide on Plastic in the Volvo Ocean Race 17/18. Dee lead an international youth team with a 50-50 male-female split in this global, highly competitive race. During the race, Dee’s took this message to amplify the United Nations Environment’s Clean Seas campaign (supported by Sky Ocean Rescue as media partner) and raise awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans and inspire people to take action in their day-to-day lives. Alongside the sustainability focus, the messages around gender inclusivity and inspiring the next generation were key throughout the campaign.
Dee Caffari has proven herself to be a yachtswoman of the highest calibre and many are amazed to learn that she only began her sailing career in 2000.
Following her first world record, Dee was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list and she became an Honorary Commander in the British Royal Navy in recognition of her service to the sea, Britain’s maritime heritage and her work for charity.
Without doubt, one of Britain’s most inspirational women, Dee is an acclaimed international speaker. She tells her highly motivational story with great humour and insight.
Dee Caffari tailors each presentation drawing on her solo and team challenges in extreme ocean environments. A natural team leader, Dee engages audiences with her lessons won and her understanding of leadership, risk, high performance, resilience, diversity, inclusion and she is driven to inspire the next generation. (She was the only woman skipper in the Global Challenge 2004/5 and the Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18.)