Tracy Edwards

Tracy Edwards MBE is a prominent figure in the history of ocean racing, known for her leadership and contributions to sailing and gender equality in sports. Edwards gained international recognition as the skipper of the first all-female crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. Her journey to this achievement began after she was expelled from school at age 16. She traveled through Europe, eventually working as a stewardess aboard a yacht in Greece, where she learned to sail.

Edwards participated in her first Whitbread Round the World Race as cook aboard Atlantic Privateer, becoming the first woman to race around the world on a Maxi yacht. Motivated by the underrepresentation of women in competitive sailing, she assembled a 12-woman crew, mortgaged her home, and purchased a second-hand, 58-foot yacht, which she refurbished and renamed Maiden.

Despite skepticism and sexism from the sailing community and media, Edwards and her crew, supported by King Hussein of Jordan, demonstrated the capabilities of women in ocean racing. Maiden won two of the six legs and finished second in class, achieving the best result for a British boat in the race since 1977. In recognition of her accomplishments, Edwards received the MBE from Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Jordanian Air Force Wings from King Hussein of Jordan, and became the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year Trophy in its 34-year history. Her memoir, "Maiden," was named Whitbread Sports Book of the Year and appeared on the Times bestseller list for 19 weeks.

Edwards continued to innovate in the sailing world by assembling the first all-female crew to attempt the fastest non-stop circumnavigation by sail, breaking five world records with her 92-foot catamaran. She later led the first mixed-gender team on the 110-foot maxi-catamaran Maiden II, which set multiple world records, including the longest distance sailed in 24 hours. Edwards also played a key role in organizing Oryx Quest, the first round-the-world race to start and finish in the Middle East. Following the event, she faced financial challenges when a sponsor defaulted, leading to bankruptcy. Edwards later earned a degree in psychology from Roehampton University and pursued new ventures.

The story of Maiden continued when Edwards discovered the yacht abandoned in the Indian Ocean and launched a public campaign to restore it. Inspired by King Hussein and supported by Princess Haya, she founded "The Maiden Factor," using the yacht to raise funds and awareness for girls' education. Maiden embarked on another global race with a diverse professional female crew, including the first three Black female crew members and the first Afghan to race around the world. Maiden became the first all-female crew to win an around-the-world race. The documentary film "Maiden," written and directed by Alex Holmes, chronicles Edwards and her crew's historic journey and was shortlisted for a BAFTA and an Academy Award.

In addition to her sailing achievements, Edwards is a motivational speaker, addressing topics such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and effective leadership strategies. She leads The Maiden Factor Foundation, focusing on girls' education and supporting STEM programs in developing countries. Edwards also co-founded The Women's Sports Union with Baroness Sharron Davies MBE. Her career in ocean racing, advocacy for women in sports, and dedication to education continue to influence the sailing community and beyond.