Dee Caffari, the first woman to circumnavigate the world against the prevailing winds and currents, solo, non-stop, will share her inspirational message of dare, dream and discover as a keynote speaker at the Toronto International Boat Show.
- The only woman to circumnavigate the world “the wrong way”
“Dee Caffari is one of a kind,” notes Andrew Robertson of Robertson & Robertson. “It’s a true pleasure to be able to bring her to Toronto.”
A former schoolteacher from Southampton, England, Caffari has been described as one of the world’s most inspirational women, and with good reason. Her six month solo trip around the world aboard the Aviva, a 72-foot yacht (actually designed for a crew of 18) pushed her like no other challenge.
“I feel I have been preparing for this my whole life,” explains Caffari. “This is my dream. To be the first woman to sail the globe, single-handed, west-about. We can do more than we think we can. We just have to dare to dream.”
Only four men have ever managed to complete the gruelling, 29,100 mile voyage that tested Caffari’s courage, determination and motivation.
Caffari will also discuss her newly announced challenge in Open 60 yacht racing, the Aviva Ocean Racing campaign, where she will compete in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe, the world’s premier solo, non-stop round the world race. If Dee successfully completes the Vendée Globe, she will become the first woman to sail around the world solo, non-stop in both directions.
“Dee is an extraordinary sailor who is determined to push the boundaries of her sport and inspires others to do the same in their own lives,” notes Igal Mayer, president and CEO, Aviva Canada. “Aviva employees are immensely proud of our partnership with Dee Caffari. We believe she demonstrates Aviva’s commitment to ‘Forward thinking’.”
Caffari’s sense of fun and positive world-view ensure her presentations are entertaining and her messages about motivation, leadership and teamwork are memorable.
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Media are invited to hear Dee Caffari speak on Saturday, January 20 at 12pm or 4pm at the Toronto International Boat Show, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, on the Boathouse Seminar Stage on The Lake.
For more information contact:
Sally Turney
Corporate Communications
Aviva Canada Inc
Telephone: 416 701 4409
E-mail: sally_turney@avivacanada.com
Notes to editors:
About Aviva Canada Inc
Aviva Canada Inc is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in Canada, providing home, automobile and business insurance to more than 3 million customers. Our group of companies has more than 3,100 employees, 40 locations and more than 3,000 independent broker partners from coast to coast. Aviva Canada Inc.’s member companies are: Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Pilot Insurance Company, Traders General Insurance Company, Elite Insurance Company, and Scottish & York Insurance Co. Limited, and S&Y Insurance Company. Aviva Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the world’s fifth largest insurance group.
About Robertson & Robertson Yacht Insurance Ltd
Robertson & Robertson Yacht Insurance Ltd has been providing advice and insuring boats in Ontario for over 40 years. Their family owned and operated brokerage is a recognized leader in the recreational marine insurance niche. Three generations of Robertsons have insured boaters with their trademarked Skippers’ Plan products underwritten by Aviva Elite Insurance Company.
Website www.skippersplan.com