DEE CAFFARI MBE
BIOGRAPHY
Dee Caffari MBE is the only woman to have sailed solo, non-stop around the world in both directions and has now sailed around the world a total of six times.
Born in 1973 in England, awarded an MBE in recognition of her solo circumnavigation against the prevailing winds and currents, Dee set a world record by becoming the first woman to complete this ‘wrong’ way round voyage in 2006. Dee went on to compete in the 2008/9 Vendée Globe – a race around the world, non-stop and alone, known within the sailing arena as the pinnacle solo offshore event, crossing the finish line in 6th place out of 30 competitors. In 2011 Dee successfully completed the Barcelona World Race with a Spanish co skipper, allowing Dee to become the only woman to have circumnavigated the globe non-stop three times. In addition to sailing around the world six times,
Dee also holds a number of world and speed sailing records.
Having originally started out as a secondary school physical education teacher, Dee made the decision to change careers in 2000 as the desire for adventure, travel and experiencing new environments took hold. Dee’s sailing career saw her rise through the ranks to become one of the most successful and recognised British offshore sailors.
OCEAN ADVOCACY
The issue of single-use plastic in our oceans and climate emergency has gained huge momentum. Dee is now a prominent ocean advocate having seen the impact on our Ocean’s Health firsthand at sea. As a result, she continues to highlight the vital importance of reducing our dependence on plastics, inspiring people to make changes in their day-to-day lives and advising businesses, events and organisations on becoming more sustainable.
SPEAKING
Dee draws on both her solo experiences and those gained as the only female skipper in the Global Challenge 2004/5 and Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18. A natural team leader, Dee engages audiences with her knowledge and understanding of leadership, resilience, diversity, inclusion, and youth opportunity. Dee’s experiences and involvement in ocean health enable her to speak passionately and authentically on the topic, whilst addressing the key issues around sustainability in today’s society. Dee is sought after to deliver memorable keynote presentations and entertaining after-dinner talks and hosts awards for corporate clients across all sectors.
MENTORSHIPS & ADVISORY PANELS
Dee acts as a consultant and advisor for sailing campaigns and initiatives worldwide. As a performance coach, Dee has helped to develop young British sailing talent progress in the short-handed offshore sailing arena. Dee has been an advisor to the Oman Sail’s Women’s Programme, a unique initiative created by Oman Sail that aims to break down barriers and encourage women to participate in the sport of sailing in an area of the world where this has previously been unheard of. Dee sits on the Operations Committee for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. The Committee oversees the operational training of lifeboat crew and lifeguards and maintains an overview of both UK and Irish maritime SAR organisations. She also heads up a special interest group to help the organisation become more sustainable.
CHARITABLE SUPPORT
Dee is actively involved in a number of charities. In 2018 Dee was invited to Chair the World Sailing Trust, a new global charity that will promote the health of oceans and grow participation in the sport to protect its future. Dee is on the advisory board of A Plastic Planet whose single goal is to turn off the plastic tap by dramatically reducing the use of conventional plastic. In addition, Dee is a Patron for GAFIRS, an Independent Lifeboat station and also a Patron for the charity Sail 4 Cancer and St Mary’s Junior Sailing Club. Dee is an Ambassador for UKSA, a charity that helps children’s confidence, disadvantaged youngsters and provides professional training in a maritime environment.