Dee Caffari MBE

British yachtswoman and former teacher, Dee Caffari, has sailed into the world record book several times. In 2006, Dee became the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world ‘the wrong way’ against the prevailing winds and currents, solo. With only four men having ever completed the torturous journey, more people have walked on the moon. Full of vigor and motivation, Dee then competed in a tense Vendée Globe (2008/09), also referred to as ‘The Everest of the Seas’, becoming the first woman to sail non-stop, solo, around the world in both directions. Dee has proven herself to be a remarkable yachtswoman and many are astonished to learn that she only began her sailing career in 2000.  

When she finished the dual-handed Barcelona World Race in 2011, Dee became the only woman on earth to have sailed non-stop around the world three times. Dee competed in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 with Team SCA, the only all-female team, winning leg 8.  a team she was proud to secure the Round Britain and Ireland Speed Record for an all-female crewed monohul. She has now sailed around the world six times – most recently leading the crew of Turn the Tide on Plastic in the Volvo Ocean Race 17/18.   

Beyond her career in sailing, Dee has worked as a presenter and producer for Global Women’s Sports Network to promote female athletes, as well as working with her chosen charities, which include RNLI, Sail4Cancer, and GAFIRS, amongst others.