Maiden changed my life. I have never thought I would be here and have accomplished all this at this age.

“How was it?” It’s an impossibly succinct, unanswerable question after any big experience . “It was good!” Is usually the response. A reply that is also unsatisfactorily short.

It was such an amazing and emotional moment for everyone associated with the Maiden. We were ready for each and every task.

First off, Maiden is so special. My time on Maiden has been the most adventurous and empowering part of my life so far.

I’m so incredibly proud to be a Maiden Alumni and to call them my friends

To be able to Skipper Maiden was a dream come true, I still pinch myself to think it happened!

It was absolutely the best way to do what Maiden’s do best, we visited schools, education centres, sports programs, lunched with dignitaries, gave talks, movie nights and learnt so much about the rich and tragic history of Dakar.

Many passersby on the docks shared the impact Maiden and the documentary had on their lives and sailing. Maiden’s legacy and impact were clear every place we went.

Beyond the technical aspects of sailing, I fondly remember the crew's attitude in the face of challenges. They approached every difficulty with joy and a genuine desire to learn and improve.

Maiden gave us the opportunity to learn and grow and leave our legacy as the first all female team to WIN an ocean race. I hope that that continues to inspire people of all genders that they can achieve their dreams, however "out there" they may seem.

Because I felt surrounded by an atmosphere that felt safe, and supportive, I was able to focus exclusively on sailing. I had never been able to focus all of my energy on just sailing before.

We really can do anything once we believe it is possible. This is what I adore about Maiden's mission: helping girls to see that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

This is a great experience for me. I get to sail on this amazing boat, with such amazing and powerful women.

...to be surrounded by such inspiring people, and it's all for a great cause, girls education! I'm happy...

The crew and team were all helpful, enthusiastic, generous with their time and patience, and a pleasure to be around. They are truly dedicated to getting more women on the water and helping us all grow. Spending time with them will be a treasured memory of mine forever.

You get the chance to be a part of a team bigger than yourself and learn much than you expected every step of the way.

The team aboard Maiden was so smart and skilled... I imagine that it might be challenging for them to constantly be getting new crew but they made me feel at home and provided coaching where needed.

I learnt about honesty, passion and how important it is to keep a good team spirit while maintaining the course to reach our main goal, making it possible to change the course of some girls' lives.

Everyone is involved is incredibly hardworking, kindhearted, and passionate about The Maiden Factor and its community.

I felt it was a great privilege (to skipper Maiden)... It was awesome to see the delight in people's eyes when they saw Maiden after all these years. Speaking at schools and events about Maiden's work was a huge part of the role which I loved. It still astounds me that 130 million girls do not have access to education, it is beyond belief that this is still happening in the world.

While Maiden is empowering women to be confident sailors with each and every leg, it also does so much more in supporting women across the globe.

It's pretty surreal to look back now at the places we've been, the miles we've done, and even more humbling to reflect on the inspirational kids we've met along the way.

When I heard about The Maiden Factor and what their cause was, I was automatically drawn towards it. The story felt close to home for me and the cause of educating girls and giving them the opportunity to do more was brilliant!

First time round Maiden captured the hearts and minds across the globe to imagine what would and could be possible. Today, she continues to do the same. Inspiring the women of the future that will be empowered by being part of something that is so much more than a boat. Maiden is a family that welcomes, nurtures and inspires. She has the ability to break boundaries and make a real difference in society on a global scale.

Completely in awe of Maiden's incredible crew, life at sea, kindness and calmness of Maiden's inclusivity. Confidence in ourselves and continuing legacy of our experience by sharing it with people from all walls of life.

Maiden has taken me on an incredible journey, filling me with love and gratitude from the wonderful people I have met, and the adventures thus far I have experienced.

Visiting Maiden was an experience I will truly cherish for the rest of my life. Much like visiting a historical site it is hard not to think of all that has been accomplished on that 58ft boat.

It has been an unbelievable project to be a part of, and it's taken me the last year to really process the magnitude of the World Tour, and how fortunate we were to meet and have the support of thousands of amazing people along the way.