Dee Caffari

World-record setting yachtswoman Dee Caffari MBE is the only woman to have sailed solo non-stop around the world – both the wrong way (against the tides and prevailing winds) and the ‘right’ way.  Dee has now sailed around the world a total of six times.

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 sailed single-handed, non-stop around the world in the other direction 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 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. Dee retains a number of world-firsts and speed sailing records.  

Dee continues to challenge herself (and historical records).  Dee’s current campaign is as co-skipper of The Famous Project - an all-woman crew who will contest the Jules Verne Trophy in 2025.  No woman has so far been part of any crew to conquer the legendary prize for the fastest time around the planet

An inspiring skipper, a passionate Ocean Advocate, Dee is keen to nurture diversity and inclusion.  Dee 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. 

As skipper in the Volvo Ocean Race 17/18.  Dee lead an international youth team with a 50-50 male-female split in the Volvo Ocean Race (17/18).  As skipper of Turn the Tide on Plastic, Dee’s promoted the United Nations Environment's Clean Seas campaign (supported by Sky Ocean Rescue as media partner) 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. 

Dee 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.

 Speaking

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 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. 

Feedback consistently shows that clients across all sectors appreciate Dee’s engaging style and authenticity of her messages in her presentations (whether virtual or in person).  Dee is sought after as a keynote speaker, an entertaining and motivating after dinner speaker as well as a host for corporate awards at international events.

To book Dee as a Motivational Speaker for Corporate or Sports Day Events, or as an After Dinner Speaker, please contact a Prime Performers Booking Agent via the online booking enquiry form or alternatively call 020 3500 3331.