Dee Caffari MBE: World-record setting Yachtswoman

Dee Caffari: Motivational Speaker, After Dinner, Host & Awards

#Leadership   #Resilience  #Motivation   #Sustainability   #HighPerformance   #Teamwork

Yachtswoman Dee Caffari has earned her place in the history books.  Dee is the first and only woman to sail single-handed, non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to sail non-stop around the world three times.  In total, Dee has sailed around the world six times - both leading teams and leading herself in solo unsupported voyages.  

Most recently, Dee joined The Famous Project take on one of the tougest ocean challenges in the world.  Co-skipper with Alexia Barrier, an international all-women team will attempt to win the Jules Verne Trophy and secure a first world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the planet with an all-women crew.

'We can do more than we think we can.  We just have to dare to dream.'  Dee

‘The manager's conference is still in full swing; however I wanted to reach out to you to thank you for the amazing story you shared with us. I was, like many others, inspired by your leadership lessons and will use many references in my speech later today. So many people commented on how unique your talk and you being available afterwards were. I really thank you for having been part of this event.’  Barry Callebaut

A former teacher, British yachtswoman Dee Caffari became the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world solo ‘the wrong way’ against the prevailing winds and currents in 2006.  (Only four men have ever managed to finish this gruelling voyage: more people have walked on the moon.) Not one to stay in her comfort zone, Dee then became the first woman to sail solo, 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 on earth to have sailed non-stop around the world on three occasions. 

Other circumnavigations were to follow.  Dee competed in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 with Team SCA, the only all-female team.  Dee was delighted to help secure the Round Britain and Ireland Speed Record for an all-female crewed monohull with Team SCA too.  Dee also lead the crew of Turn the Tide on Plastic round the world in the Volvo Ocean Race (2017/18).  Dee was the only female skipper and lead an international youth team with a 50-50 male-female split in this global, highly competitive race. This campaign amplified the UN's Environmental Clean Seas campaign.  Supported by Sky Ocean Rescue as a media partner Dee successfully helped raise awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans and continues to inspire people to take action. Alongside this environmental focus, messages of gender inclusivity and legacy were key throughout the campaign and Dee can bring this experience when tailoring her talks.

One of Britain's most inspirational women, Dee Caffari is an experienced and popular international speaker.  Dee delivers engaging and inspirational talks tailored following a client briefing and the reviews are glowing whether it is for a prestigious small client dinner, a huge conference keynote, a celebratory Awards ceremony or a product or venue launch.  Dee offers an inspirational Masterclass on Leadership too.  Dee's warm delivery brings her story and the drama and challenges of her world-record-setting voyages alive.

‘Many thanks for the fantastic session last week at our global business council. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and everyone was completely inspired and energised by your open, honest and refreshing style and of course the critical lessons around team work, motivation and leadership that apply to everyone of us in our executive roles. A truly impressive and humbling presentation that went down a storm. Thanks again for a wonderful session.’   Global Business Women Leaders Council 

'The "wow factor" of the conference!'  Reckitt Benckiser

Dee continues to be involved in competitive sailing campaigns and showcases her talents in other areas such as TV and radio presenting, motivational speaking and supporting her chosen charities.  Among many honours, Dee has been awarded an MBE and became an Honorary Commander of the British Royal Navy.

‘It was such a pleasure to host Dee Caffari at Sky today, where she talked about the importance of gender balanced teams in delivering better results and greater innovation.  We loved hearing about her stories of her amazing ocean exploits - truly inspiring and what a wonderful advocate for gender balance.  Other comments from delegates:

• Great talk! Thank you.
• That was amazing.
• Fantastic buzz and conversation around the event.
• Dee was amazing.
• Everyone loved it.
• We loved Dee’s talk – so inspirational.
• Dee was a great speaker and attendance was amazing.'

SKY Plc

‘We were privileged to have Dee speak to a group of Telstra staff. Dee is a wonderful presenter and her practical can-do approach to tackling and succeeding in a world-class challenge was truly inspiring! The audience was spellbound. I don't believe we have ever had so many people ask so many questions after a presentation, but Dee took it all in her stride and graciously answered each one with good humour and wit.’  Telstra, Australia

‘Dee was engaging, down to earth and warm hearted. Her presentation was extremely well received by our clients. Her description of the extraordinary challenges and her way of dealing with them was a lesson in perspective for us all.’  Oracle

‘Inspiring, motivating, engaging, clear.  Very powerful indeed.  Many people approached Dee both after the conference and at the evening event to congratulate her and to say how inspired they had been.  It exceeded our already high expectations. It delivered an impact that left people motivated and upbeat.  The ‘wow’ factor of the conference!’   Reckitt Benckiser

'It was an absolute pleasure working with Dee. There was a real buzz around her appearing at our conference, and whilst she was on stage there was a Twitter storm raging in the background. She was extremely professional, arriving early on-site for her briefing and her presentation was delivered with vigour and real passion – a rarity amongst speakers. The videos impacted her achievements and left our audience with a sense of awe and empowerment.'  Citywire Holdings

‘We were privileged to have Dee as the host for this year’s Skandia Team GBR British Sailing Team awards dinner which was a high profile occasion for all of our sailors, support team and key sponsors.  She completely understood the tone we wished for from the evening, and took it all in her stride – she was entertaining, engaging and had a great rapport with our guests.  I’d have no hesitation in considering Dee again for similar events.’  RYA: GBR British Sailing

‘The top-line stats for Dee were great - I was really pleased and she went down a treat with the audience.  From the evaluation forms we received 94% rated her excellent, and the other 6% good. Dee was highlighted as the highlight of the conference by many people too. She was great and very engaging.  Overall, really chuffed and a good recommendation - much appreciated.’   
Halton Strategic Partnership

'Dee’s presentation was a wonderful and highly effective way to engage and inspire our employees about Aviva’s values of Teamwork, Integrity, Progressiveness, and Performance.  Dee related her sailing adventures and communication skills to every day life and we could all learn from her experiences.’  Aviva Canada Inc

‘Everyone was just completely silent, listening with their jaws dropped: her talk was funny, interesting, relevant and the audience were captivated.  Dee was quite happy to do question/answers completely unprepared and she engaged the audience in her talk.’
Mace Group

‘Dee’s presentation resonated strongly as she gave the highs and lows of her story – the emotional journey.  There were strong parallels with the business world that I could relate to – how I can overcome challenges, for example.  Her personality is warm, open, honest. The video was very powerful.’
John Lewis

‘Dee’s presentation is so relevant to today’s business environment. A fantastic lady!  A very down-to-earth pragmatic person who has overcome a huge personal challenge to achieve the impossible: her passion is tangible.  The Q&A session was particularly good.’
Royal Bank of Scotland

‘I have to say - Dee was TOTALLY brilliant.  She gave an engaging and inspirational talk followed by lots of questions and answers.  Our feedback forms rated Dee VERY highly indeed, in fact several of the delegates who presented on the following day made several references to Dee's "wonderful talk".   I'm VERY happy - thanks a million.’   
Allen Carr Easyway

‘We thoroughly enjoyed having Dee share her insights and leadership lessons with our London Business School alumni community. Engaging, thought provoking and humble, her story resonated so strongly with our community that we are already being asked to bring her back in person next semester!’  (Just so you know, Alumni comments included: "Very impressive and great way to learn leadership skills" & "Fantastic event! Best one yet") London Business School 

Dee's Speaking Style

Dee delivers something special.  Gregarious, courageous - but also candid about the challenges she has faced - Dee Caffari delivers powerful messages in an entertaining way (and her talks engage those with no yachting background whatsoever).

A sense of fun and a positive world-view ensure Dee's talks are entertaining as well as motivating.  Powerful, memorable messages can be tailored to fit the client's brief. Dee has an engaging, natural style and she illustrates her talks with stunning film footage and photographs which bring her acheivements and the drama and excitement of sailing offshore alive.

After Dinner & Awards Host/Facilitator

With anecdotes drawn from three circumnavigations of the globe, Dee tailors her talks to inspire and entertain her audience. Clients appreciate Dee's humour as well as her engaging, natural style.

Keynote Business Presentations

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Sustainability
• Creating gender-balanced diverse teams
• High Performance
• Motivation, Attitude & Self-belief
• Courage in Difficult Times
• Managing and Embracing Change 

Dee has a range of leadership experience to draw upon: both working with a shore team when single-handed, or leading a crew in hostile conditions to deliver competitive performances.  Good communication, focus, careful preparation, goal setting and developing the talents of others are key.  As well as kindness and a sense of fun.

Sailing solo for months, Dee has faced icebergs, intense sleep deprivation, technical failures and the worst that the Southern Ocean can muster.  Dee draws from authentic experiences and lessons learnt about staying motivated when things get tough - achieving high performance, self-belief, developing resilence and succeeding against the odds.

A former teacher, British yachtswoman Dee Caffari has sailed into the world record book several times.  Dee became the first and only woman to circumnavigate the world solo ‘the wrong way’ against the prevailing winds and currents in 2006.  (Only four men have ever managed to finish this gruelling voyage: more people have walked on the moon.) 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 on earth to have sailed non-stop around the world on three occasions.  Other circumnavigations were to follow.  Dee competed in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 with Team SCA, the only all-female team, winning leg 8.  Dee was delighted to help secure the Round Britain and Ireland Speed Record for an all-female crewed monohull with Team SCA too.

Dee has now circumnavigated the world six times - most recently leading the crew of Turn the Tide on Plastic in the Volvo Ocean Race 17/18.  Dee was the only female skipper and lead an international youth team with a 50-50 male-female split in this global, highly competitive race.  Backed by the Mirpuri Foundation, the team's guiding mission was 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 is currently a key member of The Famous Project which will take on one of the tougest ocean challenges in the world.  As co-skipper with Alexia Barrier, their international all-women team will attempt to win the Jules Verne Trophy and secure a first world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the planet with an all-women crew.

 Outside of sailing, Dee continues to showcase her talents in the media as a presenter and producer.  Dee has been a presenter and producer for the online Global Women’s Sports Network WiSP Sports helping to support and promote female athletes and sport.  She also spends time supporting her chosen charities.  Dee was delighted to be onboard a high profile charity sailing challenge for Sports Relief in 2016.  The Hell on High Seas crew, featured on the BBC’s the One Show, included a team of celebrity novice sailors and their voyage around part of the coast of Britain in difficult conditions raised over £1m for charity.

 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.  A former secondary school teacher, seeing the 2000/01 Global Challenge fleet return home was the catalyst for Dee’s next goal.  By 2004, Dee had secured her place as the only female skipper in the fleet to compete in the next Global Challenge race.  Just four months after returning from leading a team around the world, Dee set off again on six-month voyage to become the only woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Following her first world record, Dee was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Dee 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