Tracy Edwards – The Maiden Story
Wednesday 11th October 2023 7.15pm for 7.45pm
The Presidents Room, The Bowlers Arms, Enborne Street, Wash Common, Newbury RG14 6TW
International Yacht racing was almost totally male dominated – until Tracy took the sport by storm in the late 1980s and proved to the world that women are just as good, if not better!
Tracy’s story is one of fighting against the odds. A tumultuous childhood created a rebellious streak of not taking no for an answer. Perhaps it was this which gave her the strength of character at 27 years old to survive the highs and lows of raising funds, arranging the logistics and putting together the all-female crew for the 1989 Whitbread Round the World Race.
Winning two legs of the race, Maiden came in second overall in her class. It was the best result for a British boat in more than 10 years.
In 1998 Tracy and her all-female crew took on the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest non-stop circumnavigation. They had broken five world records when their 92ft catamaran was dismasted off Chile.
Maiden was sold and left to rot but in 2014 Tracy discovered the abandoned Maiden. She launched a public bid for funding and restoration. The result – blood sweat and tears later the Maiden Factor is now touring the world championing women and girls education.
Admission: Members free. Visitors and guests welcome £5* at the door.
All proceeds from the evening will go to Tracy’s charities.
*Refundable against new member subs.
For more information or for visitor or guest places please contact secretary@newburyyachtclub.com or speakers@newburyyachtclub.com