Dee Caffari is Raymarine/ YJA Yachtsman of the Year

by Media on 10 Jan 2007 British round the world sailing heroine, Dee Caffari was presented with the prestigious title of Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year at The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.

Dee entered the record books in May 2006 when she was the first woman to complete a solo non-stop round the world voyage against prevailing winds and currents. Her record-breaking voyage lasted 178 days, 3 hours, 6 minutes and 15 seconds sailing an astonishing 29,227 miles. She crossed the official finish line in sight of the observer from the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) off Lizard Point, UK, and completed a passage that ensures her a place in maritime history.

For Dee the world challenge was a long-held ambition. Having fulfilled her desire to be involved in round the world yacht racing, by skippering a yacht in the Global Challenge, she set sail on a more personal voyage, the Aviva Challenge - her 178 day solo circumnavigation. Departing in November 2005, Dee arrived back a hero in May 2006 to a triumphant homecoming into Southampton.

Lady Pippa Blake presented Dee with her prestigious trophy at the awards ceremony, arranged by members of the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA), held at The Painted Hall, The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich.

Finalists for the prestigious title included 470 World Champions Nic Asher and Elliot Willis, the first British team to win the 470 World Championship since 1988; and Steve Curtis, who has won an unbelievable eight Class 1 World Championships and is considered the best international powerboat racer of all time – Steve is a previous Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year title holder.

Following nominations by the general public and Royal Yachting Association affiliated clubs, the winner was selected by the voting of the YJA members.

Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year:

Katie was presented with her trophy by Dee Caffari © onEdition http://www.onEdition.com

Katie Miller was presented with the prestigious title of Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year, at the London Boat Show on Saturday 6 January, following in the footsteps of previous winners world class yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and Olympic Gold medallist Ben Ainslie OBE.

Katie, who is studying Yacht Manufacture and Surveying at Southampton Solent University, wins the award for her single-handed circumnavigation of the UK in her boat Elektra earlier this year.

Her inspirational three-month voyage raised funds for The Ellen MacArthur Trust to enable even more children suffering with cancer to experience the thrills and beauty of sailing. Katie’s initial plans were formulated in 2004 when she passed her Day Skipper course in Menorca – after two years of hard work she successfully completed her challenge.

Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year and Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year awards recognise British sporting excellence in power or sail and acknowledge achievement - such as breaking a world record, a phenomenal win, overcoming adversity, or showing exceptional bravery and courage.

Dame Ellen MacArthur is the outgoing Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year title holder. Craig Paul, Sam Coombs and James Hopson are the outgoing Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year.

The winners of both awards are nominated by the public and voted on by members of the Yachting Journalist’s Association (YJA).

For further Raymarine information contact Chloe Bartle, Raymarine Marketing Co-ordinator, at +44 (0)23 9269 3611 Ext. 1395 or chloe.bartle@raymarine.com; or Chrissie Williams/Alice Driscoll ADPR, Tel +44 (0)1935 826451 or Fax +44 (0)1935 826551 or by email at chrissiew@adpr.co.uk alice.driscoll@adpr.co.uk