DEE Caffari plans to become the first woman to sail solo, non stop, around the world in both directions.

The Southampton-based sailing star's next campaign will see her move into the highly competitive world of Open 60 racing.

The Aviva Ocean Racing campaign is planned to culminate with her entry into the 2008/9 around the world Vende Globe - one of the world's most gruelling sailing races.

Only seven months ago, Caffari, 33, become the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world against the prevailing winds and currents.

Caffari's next campaign will include a series of IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association) Open 60 races throughout 2007/8 in preparation for her entry into the 2008/9 Vende.

To start with, she will use a training boat, Aviva', formerly known as Hellomoto'.

The preparation of a new purpose built race boat for the 2008 Vende entry will also start immediately.

Her transition to Open 60 racing will see Caffari move up into the most highly competitive and spectacular sailing class.

To guide her on her next water-based odyssey, Caffari will draw from the experience of a team of experts from a variety of sailing disciplines.

New to her team is project manager Joff Brown, who has been instrumental in a number of top class Open 60 campaigns including the preparation of boats for well-known Southampton sailor Mike Golding, Conrad Humphreys and Gosport's Alex Thomson.

Caffari said: "I already know I'm mentally tough, but now I've got to focus on developing my technical skills so that I can successfully go from 0 to Open 60 in under two years!

"What more could I ask for my next challenge?

"Sailing events don't come any tougher than the Vende Globe - the world's best sailors, competing in the world's best boats, in the biggest fleet, making it the most challenging sailing event for the next few years".

Announcing Aviva's sponsorship, executive director Patrick Snowball said: "Dee's successful completion of the Aviva Challenge last year was a masterclass in skill, guts and determination.

"Dee is an extraordinary woman who is determined to push back the boundaries of her sport and inspires others to do the same in their own lives.

"Aviva is immensely proud of its partnership with Dee Caffari. We believe she epitomises the spirit of our 'Forward thinking' campaign and we're really excited about the prospect of her new international Aviva Ocean Racing campaign which will test her sailing skills even further".

Ellen MacArthur sprung to fame while competing in the Vendee Globe while Golding finished third in the last Vendee in February 2005.