Dee Caffari Awarded Royal Navy Honour

16 September 2011, 10:07 | Updated: 16 September 2011, 10:09

Hampshire yachtswoman, Dee Caffari, has been appointed as an Honorary Commander in the Royal Navy.

It's in recognition of her service to the sea and Britain's maritime heritage.

38 year old Dee, who set her third world record earlier this year by sailing non-stop around the planet more times than any other woman in history, joins the likes of adventurer Bear Grylls and fellow British yachtswoman Dame Ellen McArthur, who have both received similar naval distinctions. After hearing that her appointment had been approved by the Queen, Dee said:

“It is an honour to be recognised for my achievements and support of the armed forces. I have enjoyed the links I have established and maintained with the Royal Navy and look forward to being presented with my uniform! Having not worn a uniform since school, I am excited about preparing for my role at Dartmouth, being fitted with a uniform and learning to salute correctly”

One of the main links Caffari has with the navy is through her work as an ambassador for the initiative, Toe In The Water. The charity uses competitive sailing to help in the rehabilitation of profoundly and traumatically injured service personnel.

Director General of Army Medicine and Toe in the Water Chairman, Major General M von Bertele said:

“Dee has been a great inspiration to many of our injured servicemen and women and her energy, genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the work we do is invaluable. It’s great to see her dedication and passion recognised in this way.”

Her next goal is to compete in the Vendée Globe 2012.