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Maiden returns to the UK
25 Apr 2017
Tracey Edwards MBE and the crew of Maiden
Maiden, the iconic boat that sailed into the record books in 1990, has returned to the UK 27 years after making history at the Whitbread Round the World Race with her all-female crew.
Skipper Tracy Edwards’ MBE defied critics who believed it wasn’t possible for an all-female crew to take part in the race – Maiden won two legs of the race and came second overall – the best result for a British boat since 1977.
Maiden’s restoration will take place in Southampton after which it is planned she will sail around the world again spreading the message that girls have potential and the right to an education.
The campaign – The Maiden Factor – is supported by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan whose father King Hussein I supported the original project.
“I, as a young girl, fondly remember his ‘hands-on’ involvement with the original project which made sporting history and surprisingly feel how the issues of female equality and values he championed all those years ago seem even more relevant today,” she said.
“As his daughter, I feel honored and humbled to be involved with the resurrection of the Maiden project as it embarks on its new chapter of maritime history.
“We can all use this a platform to highlight the need of equal access to education for girls in all corners of the globe, referencing something that he always believed in: ‘anything is possible’.”
Ms Edwards added: “It’s shocking to me that over 61 million girls around the world are still denied one of the most basic rights; access to education. The struggle to get Maiden to the start line represents the barriers faced by so many, whilst also proving to the world that girls can overcome them and achieve great things.
“The crew of Maiden faced many obstacles and prejudices. Very few people believed an all-female crew could complete the race.”
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