News: Dee's Double World First
British yachtswoman Dee Caffari made history today when she became the first woman to sail around twice around the world in different directions, both against and now with the prevailing winds and currents. While her 2006 achievement was impressive in itself, finishing sixth in this epic Vendee Globe race today is particularly inspiring because her first solo race in an Open 60 was only in November 2007. The tough Vendee Globe race is known as the 'Everest of the seas'.
Just three years ago, Dee Caffari sailed around the world against the prevailing winds and currents taking 178 days and now on 16th February 2009, the British sailor has done it again, but this time from west to east in a race. It took 98 days. A remarkable performance as only fifteen solo sailors have accomplished this feat in less than 100 days aboard a monohull. She's returned to France to huge crowds of well wishers and supporters this afternoon.
Congratulations Dee!!
See footage from the race and send Dee a message at Aviva Ocean Racing
You can also read more about Dee's journey and watch interviews with Dee on the Press Coverage page
A little background on the Vendee Globe..
The Vendée Globe is the only non-stop, round-the-world sailing race for single-handed sailors. Starting and finishing from Les Sables d'Olonne, France, it's one of the most challenging tests of individual endurance there is and the ultimate goal for all solo sailors. Dee has spent around three months alone at sea, facing some of the toughest sailing conditions imaginable, most notably in the Southern Ocean. She could not draw on external help, such as customised routing or weather information, over a journey of approximately 21,600 miles. On completing the race, Dee has become the first ever woman to sail solo around the world in both directions. Please note: Dee is back and talking from mid-March onwards.
Download Dee's Biography (PDF)