Tracy Edwards' Bid to Save Maiden Sets Sail
by Kitty Robinson 19 Feb 2016 20:02 GMT
19 February 2016
Tracy Edwards bids to save 'Maiden' © Maiden Rescue
Tracy Edwards MBE, the yachtswoman who made history skippering the first all-female crew around the world on yacht Maiden, is fundraising to bring the beloved boat home to the UK, whilst simultaneously raising awareness for young girls' rights to education.
As Maiden crossed the start line of the Whitbread Round the World Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race) in 1989, Tracy and her crew sailed into the history books. Maiden went on to win two legs and come second overall in her class – still the best result for a British boat since 1977. Tracy was also the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year Award in the same year.
26 years on from Maiden crossing the finish line of the race, Tracy Edwards is seeking funding to rescue the yacht that Tracy calls the 13th crew member, which was found abandoned on an island in the Indian Ocean. Maiden is an iconic piece of British Maritime History, and once restored she will become an Ambassador for Girls' Rights in the UK and developing countries, working alongside UN Women, I Am Girl and The Girls Network.
The rescue and restoration project, Maiden Rescue is already under way. Maiden's 30th Anniversary Celebrations will be taking place in London, this September 2016. In 2017, Maiden will go on to complete a tour of the UK alongside The Girls Network organisation and in 2018 will complete a world tour, working with I Am Girl and UN Women.
The Maiden Rescue project is dedicated to bringing attention to issues faced by young girls who have little or no access to education or who live in circumstances where they are not respected or allowed to develop decent life skills.
Speaking about her charity work, Tracy Edwards said "The Maiden Rescue project is very close to my heart and the journey so far has been incredible. I can't wait for Maiden to arrive home in the UK and begin working with The Girls Network and similar organisations to bring awareness to the issues faced globally by young women."
www.maidenrescue.org