Record-breaking British yachtswoman Dee Caffari made a special trip to London to receive her MBE from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace earlier today.

Caffari, accompanied by her mother Barbara and sister Jane, is taking a break from her preparations for her forthcoming transatlantic race to attend the ceremony. Caffari was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list earlier this year in recognition of her services to sailing after her record-breaking round the world voyage last year. In May 2006, after 178 days at sea, Caffari became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world, against the prevailing winds and currents, and in doing so joined an elite group of just five sailors to ever achieve this feat.

Caffari, overjoyed to be at the Palace, said: “I’m as proud today as I was 17 months ago when I crossed the finish line to set my record. It is all the more emotional to have my mother and sister with me at Buckingham Palace to share this special moment. I have a fantastic team behind me when I sail, there is no doubt that without the support and unwavering belief of my family I would not be here. I would also like to congratulate all those receiving their awards today. Each recipient has a wonderful story to tell and it is inspiring to be amongst them.”

Caffari is currently preparing for her next sailing race, the Transat Jacques Vabre, which begins in France on 3 November. The race, from Le Havre to Bahia in Brazil, is part of Caffari’s Aviva Ocean Racing campaign. Since completing her 2006 record making non-stop solo sail against the prevailing winds and currents, Caffari has had her sights set on a new world record. Her goal is to become the first woman to sail non-stop solo around the world in both directions, by competing in the 2008/09 Vendée Globe.