This evening, (Thursday 15th Ocober) the United Kingdom Sailing Academy held the UKSA Celebrating Achievement Awards, in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight. 

Dee Caffari who made history by becoming the first woman to sail solo, non stop both ways around the world, was presented with the Exceptional Achievement Award.

Dee was not able to contain her excitement and announced via her Twitter account:

“I received the award for exceptional achievement sponsored by Peter Harrison. It is lovely to have such recognition.”

HRH The Princess Royal who is Patron, of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA), attended the Achievement Awards Ceremony at the RYS Cowes Castle, in Cowes.

News Update: Caffari Receives Exceptional Achievement Award 16th October 2009.

Record breaking solo round the world yachtswoman, Dee Caffari, was delighted to receive an Exceptional Achievement award yesterday from the United Kingdom Sailing Academy. The UKSA held their Celebrating Achievement Award ceremony in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and the prestigious award was presented by HRH The Princess Royal.

On receiving the accolade Caffari said: 

‘I carried out my training at the UKSA on the Isle of Wight and they provided me with a fantastic grounding for my sailing career. I have very fond memories of my time at the academy and it is a great honour to be recognised with this award today.’

Caffari, who next month will take part in the double handed Transat Jacques Vabre race from France to Costa Rica aboard her yacht Aviva, has achieved much in her ten year sailing career.  In May 2006, Caffari became the first woman to sail around the world non-stop against the prevailing winds and currents. In February 2009, Caffari secured a double world first by crossing the official finish line of the Vendée Globe yacht race after 99 days to become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop both ways around the world. Just a few months later, Caffari led an all female crew to set a new speed record for sailing around Britain and Ireland – 6 days, 11 hours, 30 minutes and 53 seconds.

Aviva, the UK’s largest insurance group, has supported Caffari since 2005 and announced a new partnership with Caffari last month as the racing team’s founding partner. Dee is now actively searching for a new title sponsor to support her 2012 Vendée Globe campaign.

Further information on Dee Caffari and the Aviva Ocean Racing campaign can be found at www.avivaoceanracing.com  and the www.uksa.org