MDL Marinas prepares grand homecoming parade for iconic yacht Maiden and her all-female crew

Maiden © Kurt Arrigo / Jarhead Young Sailors

MDL Marinas is thrilled to announce that the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2024 will feature a special welcome home parade for the crew of Maiden on Saturday 20th April, marking a jubilant highlight at this year's show.

Renowned for its showcase of global power and sail brands and sustainable boating solutions, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show will celebrate and honour the epic journey of the world-famous sailing yacht Maiden and her intrepid all-female crew.

Following a six-year World Tour, raising awareness and funds for Girls' Education around the globe, and seven months competing in her last round the world race, Maiden will be returning to MDL's flagship Ocean Village Marina, from where she departed on her epic 27,000-mile global navigation last September. The iconic marina offers the perfect backdrop to host the illustrious vessel for a celebration to remember.

MDL Marinas is inviting all boat owners and skippers to join the official homecoming parade, taking place in front of thousands of show goers and other spectators, as well as the local and national press. Offering some of the best vantage points to view Maiden's arrival, boats in the harbour will be in prime position to soak up the exciting atmosphere.

Boat owners and skippers are invited to participate by joining the flotilla alongside Maiden for the Parade of Sail as she makes her way from Cowes to Ocean Village. The welcome home parade aims to recreate the triumphant scene of Maiden's celebrated homecoming to Ocean Village Marina in 1990, where it was estimated a crowd of 50,000 came to witness the momentous event.

Skippered by legendary sailor Tracy Edwards MBE alongside the first ever all-female crew, they achieved a ground-breaking finish in the Whitbread Round the World Race, changing the face of sailing for women around the world and inspiring them to follow their dreams.

Commenting on Maiden's homecoming Edwards says: "We want to re-create Maiden's 1990 homecoming and hope that everyone in the area with a boat will be out on the water to cheer Maiden and her inspirational young, all-female crew home to Southampton."

"Half the boats in the Solent turned out to welcome Tracy and her crew back home in 1990," says Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director, MDL Marinas. "We're hoping the boating community will once again turn out to give Maiden a hero's welcome home."

For this extraordinary and historic event, boats can register their interest by completing the form here. Boats will meet off Cowes on the Isle of Wight at 0800hrs on Saturday 20 April for the Parade of Sail across The Solent and up to Ocean Village in Southampton.

For non-boat owners wishing to join in the Parade of Sail, they can still be part of the on-water celebration aboard the cruise boat Ocean Scene. Fully heated with saloons, sundecks and onboard facilities, the popular passenger vessel will pick up guests from E Pontoon at Ocean Village at 0600 and sail across to Cowes, where it will meet Maiden and join the Parade of Sail up Southampton water and into Ocean Village, disembarking at 0945. Ferry tickets can be purchased here.

Show visitors will have a fantastic viewpoint to see Maiden's arrival at the marina, as well as getting the chance to meet the crew and hear about their round-the-world adventures using only a sextant, charts and the stars. Visitors will also get the unique opportunity to see Maiden up close.

"The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is free to attend, so come and enjoy a great day out with the added excitement of joining in with the Maiden celebrations," adds Mayer. "We are very excited to host Maiden's welcome home parade as part of this year's show.

"This event not only pays homage to Maiden's extraordinary achievements but also celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and passion that defines the boating community. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a memorable day of celebration."

Leading provider of smart logistics solutions, DP World is the official Return Partner and title sponsor of The Maiden Factor, championing Maiden and her crew throughout their epic world tour and race. The monies raised through The Maiden Factor Foundation have benefited charities around the world, helping to inspire and empower girls through education, which neatly ties in with DP World's 'Our World, Our Future' sustainability strategy, focusing on three legacy areas: Women, Education and Water.

For more information about the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show visit here.

For more information on MDL and its marinas, including its flagship marina Ocean Village, visit www.mdlmarinas.co.uk.