We are thrilled that Dee Caffari MBE continues to be part of our BRIT Ambassador family and is championing the BRIT 2021 Challenge.
Dee has sailed around the world six times. She is the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world a total of three times.
In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement.
“As a former teacher I am only too aware of the difficult stage in life the young adult years can be. Mental Health Charity Reports are showing that the impact of COVID-19 is compounding existing mental health difficulties including depression, increased feelings of anxiety and isolation, loss of coping mechanisms and loss of motivation. Providing support to young adults is vital.
BRIT is continuing to succeed with its visionary and collaborative approach to improve young adult mental health. Partnerships are being forged with mental health charities, education and sport governing bodies, university and college leadership teams and student unions to involve young adults in an inspirational event to improve physical and mental health as well as raise vital funds.
I am delighted to be supporting BRIT as an Ambassador, by supporting my local university and college, to both encourage young adult participation in the BRIT Challenge and enthuse student teams in their fundraising efforts by completing their 2,021 miles.”
Dee Caffari MBE
Yachtswoman, Charity Ambassador and Chair of the World Sailing Trust
In 2017/8, Dee led ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ – the first mixed gender youth team to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race; with a strong sustainability message. Off the water, the issue of single use plastic in our oceans gained huge momentum and has inspired many people to take action in their day to day lives.
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 of the sport to protect its future.
Dee is on the advisory board of A Plastic Planet who’s single goal is to turn off the plastic tap by dramatically reducing the use of conventional plastic. In addition, Dee sits on the Operations Committee for the RNLI and is a patron for GAFIRS, an Independent Lifeboat station. Dee is also a patron for the charity Sail 4 Cancer and St Mary’s Junior Sailing Club. Dee is proud to be an ambassador for UKSA.
Dee has been a presenter and producer for a number of media channels, helping to support and promote female athletes, sport and environment. To learn more of Dee's extraordinary accomplishments and work, please visit her website.