to enrich lives and build community by bringing information, ideas and people together
Watch the movie before the Maiden arrives in Stonington Harbor from July 19–23.
Maiden inspired a generation of women sailors. Skippered by Tracy Edwards, age 26, she led the first all-female crew to compete in the notoriously difficult Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989/90. Despite fierce opposition and sexism, Tracy and her brilliant team won two of the toughest legs on the course and came in second overall. It was a landmark moment for the sailing world and opened the door for sailors. Tracy’s exploits earned her the honor of being the first woman to ever receive the ‘Yatchsman of the Year’ trophy. They were also the inspiration for the 2018 motion picture documentary “MAIDEN: Against All Odds”. Sadly, to cover race debts, Tracy was forced to sell her beloved race boat MAIDEN after the race.
Fast forward to 2014 when Tracy learned that Maiden had been abandoned and was rotting in the Seychelles. She knew that she had to save this unique piece of maritime history and set about raising funds to buy her and bring her back to the UK. In April 2017, Maiden was shipped to Southampton where she underwent an extensive restoration and The Maiden Factor was born. A UK Registered Charity and a US 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, Maiden is a Global Ambassador for the Empowerment of Girls through Education. Their Mission: The Maiden Factor Foundation works with, raises funds for and supports communities to enable girls into education and empower, support them to remain throughout their teenage years to reach their full potential and create better futures for all. Their Vision: A world where every girl has access to twelve years of quality education; empowering them to choose their future and fulfill their dreams!
Highlights will include youth engagement events, boat tours, crew presentations and movie screenings.
You can learn more about The Maiden Factor, track their location and so much more on their social media platforms.
https://www.themaidenfactor.org/ facebook.com/TheMaidenFactor/
Summary taken from the Stonington Harbor Management Commission Newsletter Volume 11, Spring/Summer 2022.