Yachtswoman, Tracy Edwards MBE, is reuniting her legendary ‘Maiden’ crew for the first time since 1990 when they became the first all-female team to sail around the world and into the record books. Th crew includes Dun Laoghaire sailor Angela Heath (neé Farrell) from the Royal St. George Yacht Club.
The crew gained acclaim for their successes in the Whitbread Round The World Race in 1989-90, where they defied expectations and shattered glass ceilings; setting the best result for a British boat since 1977, which has remained unbeaten to this day. Their incredible story is currently being turned into a new documentary, produced by New Black Films. In honour of their reunion, the renowned sailors were treated to a private screening preview of the film currently in production, among family and friends at BAFTA in London.
A story about guts, courage and determination, the documentary is set to chronicle the team’s 167-day, 32,018-mile journey around the globe, where they overcame icebergs, a tornado and five days without food. Their achievement shattered stereotypes, broke records and paved the way for women in sport and beyond. Tracy Edwards MBE, Maiden’s Skipper, said:“Today, for the first time since the end of the Whitbread, the Maiden crew are reunited. We spent nine months together during the race and shared a truly unique experience and bond. It has been wonderful to get back together and share our stories and enjoy watching a preview of the forthcoming documentary. “Back in 1989 many people did not believe that a group of women sailors could take on such a notorious challenge, and many wrote off our chances. We not only completed the race but did so in an impressive time, coming second in our class, ahead of many all-male crews.
Our accomplishment reached beyond the world of sailing –showing that with the right support and plenty of belief, women can do anything. Over the past 30 years, the opportunities available to women have been evolving for the better. However, there is still so much to be done. Thanks to the generous support of HRH Princess Haya’s global initiative: ‘Anything is Possible’, which supports and inspires the best in people, Maiden will set sail again this September, promoting and campaigning for educational equality across the globe.
We hope the next chapter in Maiden’s story will inspire and empower a new generation of young girls to fulfil their dreams and reach their potential.” Maiden will set sail later this year from Southampton to Jordan on the first leg of her three-year world tour raising awareness for girls’ education
