Dee Caffari

A former teacher, British yachtswoman Dee Caffari sailed into the world record books when she became the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world solo the ‘wrong’ way -- against the tides and prevailing winds -- in 2006.  Not one to stay in her comfort zone, she then sailed single-handed, non-stop around the world in the other direction -- the 'right' way -- by competing in a dramatic Vendée Globe (2008/09) -– called ‘The Everest of the Seas.’ On completing the dual-handed Barcelona World Race in 2011, Caffari became the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world on three occasions.

Caffari has now sailed around the planet six times and tailors her insightful talks for clients drawing on her experiences of leading teams in competitive, tough environments as well as her record-setting solo voyages. Caffari retains a number of world-firsts and speed sailing records. A proven yachtswoman of the highest caliber, many are amazed to learn that she only began her sailing career in 2000.  

Caffari continues to challenge herself -- and historical records. Her current campaign is as co-skipper of The Famous Project, an ambitious non-stop around the world sailing voyage. The skipper of an all-woman international crew, The Famous Project will attempt the world speed record -- known as the Jules Verne Trophy -- in 2025 and in doing so, set the bar for other all women teams to attempt this bold and courageous challenge.

An inspiring skipper and a passionate ocean advocate, Caffari is Chair of the World Sailing Trust, a global charity focused on safeguarding our planet’s waters and the future of the sport of sailing.

Caffari is keen to nurture diversity and inclusion in sailing and has led diverse, international teams in challenging environments. As skipper in the Volvo Ocean Race 17/18, she led an international youth team with a 50-50 male-female split. As skipper of Turn the Tide on Plastic, she has promoted the United Nations Environment's Clean Seas campaign to 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.

Following her first world record, Caffari 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.