In a 'historic announcement' made at HMS President in London, the skipper and crew for the upcoming Ocean Globe Race (OGR) were revealed. Maiden, an iconic yacht, will set sail with an all-female crew on September 10, 2023, for an eight-month around-the-world yacht race. The race will span four legs via three great Capes, starting and finishing in the UK, with stops in South Africa, New Zealand, and Uruguay.
The skipper, Heather Thomas, 26, hails from the UK, and her crew of 12 young women has diverse backgrounds, experience, and skills. They will rely on their wits and skills, such as celestial navigation with sextants and charts, instead of modern technology. They will have no GPS or other high-tech to guide them, steeped in the retro spirit of the first Whitbread race.
The Maiden made history over 30 years ago in the 89/90 Whitbread Race, inspiring generations of women, girls, and future sailors. This time, they will sail for a world-changing cause, raising awareness for the vital role of women in sailing and encouraging more women to take up the sport.
"Their aim is not to take part in the OGR, but to be the first all-female crew to win an around-the-world race!"
The Ocean Globe Race promises to be an exciting event, with Maiden and her all-female crew capturing the hearts of sailing enthusiasts worldwide. As they set sail on this historic journey, they will undoubtedly inspire another generation of women to pursue their dreams and challenge stereotypes.
The Ocean Globe Race yacht Maiden sails under Tower Bridge Photo: Kaia Bint Savage
Maiden is taking a break from the world tour, which resumed in 2021 but continuing the battle for equality for the next generation during the OGR; raising awareness and funds for communities and charities around the world to ensure that girls have access to education. Maiden and her crew have sailed over 70,000nm, visited nearly 50 destinations in over 20 countries and met thousands of girls from all walks of life – inspiring and empowering them to believe that whatever their background, they can build better futures for themselves, their families and communities through education.
With the start of the OGR just over three weeks away, Tracy Edwards MBE commenting on Maiden’s new skipper and crew in the OGR said: “We have an amazing young skipper and crew, they have come together as an awesome team and are all set for an experience of a lifetime, just as we had all those years ago. Their aim is not to take part in the OGR, but to be the first all-female crew to win an around-the-world race!”
Read also: Irish Sailors Set to Compete in "Retro" Ocean Globe Race Around the World Without GPS
