RECORD breaker Dee Caffari has signed up for the Round the Island race on June 3.

The Southampton-based sailor is the sport's latest female superstar after becoming the first women to sail solo around the world against the prevailing currents and winds.

She received a superb welcome on her return to Ocean Village last Sunday the same day her favourite team, Watford, won promotion to the Premiership.

Caffari has now agreed to join the Team Basilica Volvo Extreme 40 crew for the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race off the Isle of Wight.

The Hayling Island-based team, who include Southampton-based sailor Peter Greenhalgh, are aiming to break the Round the Island record.

The announcement of Caffari's participation comes as preparations are being finalised for the fourth round of the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix series in Portsmouth.

The Grand Prix starts tomorrow and runs until next Thursday, with Bank Holiday Monday a rest day.

Racing is scheduled to begin at 2pm each day with the five teams expected to compete in at least three 30 minute races per day.

The all-British team the only such crew in the race will be hoping the home crowds and local knowledge of the Solent can propel them past leaders Tommy Hilfiger on the overall series leader-board.

Basilica currently lie in second place, six points behind the American boat and one point clear of third placed Holmatro.

Record crowds are expected in Portsmouth over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Over 400,000 people witnessed the racing in Baltimore, making it the highest attended sailing event ever to take place in the US.

Basilica skipper James Grant said: "Having Dee on board for the Round the Island Race is fantastic news for everyone.

"Her round the world accomplishment is awe inspiring."

After Portsmouth, the teams will head to Rotterdam for the fifth and final Grand Prix in the Extreme 40 series from June 9-14.