Maiden's Story

Maiden inspired a generation of women. Skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE, she led the first all-female crew to compete in the notoriously difficult Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989/90. The vision, values and courage of one man, HM King Hussein I of Jordan who brought in their sponsor, made the incredible story of Maiden possible.

Despite fierce opposition and sexism, Tracy and her team won two of the toughest legs on the race and came second overall. It was a landmark moment for the sailing world and opened the door for competitive female sailing.  Tracy’s exploits earned her an MBE as well as becoming the first woman to receive the ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ trophy.

Maiden was sold at the end of the race and in 2014 Tracy learned that the iconic yacht had been abandoned and rotting in the Seychelles;  she knew she had to save this unique piece of maritime history and raised funds and eventually brought her back to the UK in 2017 where she underwent an extensive restoration and The Maiden Factor was born.

Maiden's  new mission was to raise awareness of the 130+ million girls worldwide who are excluded from or not able to access an education and raising funds for community programmes worldwide to get girls into education and support them to remain there through their teenage years.

Maiden began her unique three-year world tour in November 2018, sailing with this world changing purpose, initially working with six global charities that break down the barriers that prevent girls from accessing an education and provide the solutions.  We listened, researched and talked to many people to work out where and how Maiden would have the greatest impact on improving the rights of girls to an education, with opportunities for girls in STEM subjects one particular area of focus.

We learned that Maiden has the power to inspire and empower girls (and boys!); when Maiden arrived in port, she was already a star with her own fan club, not just with sailors and/or girls. Maiden has the ability to reach across genders, colour, creed, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic backgrounds and generations.

Maiden decided to take a break from the World Tour and entered the ‘retro’ Ocean Globe Race (OGR), based on the Whitbread Round the World Race where Tracy and the first all-female crew made history.  The OGR  began in Southampton in September 2023 and provided a great opportunity to amplify Maiden’s mission of the importance of educating all girls for better futures for all.  

Maiden has made history by winning the Ocean Globe Race on IRC handicap, becoming the first all-female crew to win an around-the-world yacht race, confirmed on April 22, 2024. The international crew finished the race at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on April 16, after a 6,599-mile journey from Punta del Este.

Skipper Heather Thomas expressed pride in her team's achievement, highlighting their hard work and determination. Don McIntyre, founder of the Ocean Globe Race, praised their performance and resilience. After overcoming various challenges during the race, including equipment failures, Maiden's crew celebrated their victory with a parade from Cowes to Southampton.

They were greeted by notable supporters, including Sarah, Duchess of York, and Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of Jordan. Maiden's triumph not only marks a sailing milestone but also continues their mission to support girls' education worldwide, inspired by the legacy of King Hussein of Jordan.

The 'Maiden' story is relevant and relatable to everyone, again not just sailors, but to every human being who strives to reach their full potential; to succeed against the odds. Maiden is proof that with self-belief, grit, determination and relentlessness, anyone from anywhere can change the world.