Schedule of Events
As I watched the flotilla welcome Maiden to the harbour on August 3 it was great to recognize many RYC boats. Special mention to Blue Moon II which was dressed for the special occasion.
On August 4, Barb Creamer and I enjoyed a sail on Maiden in dense fog and relished every minute of the experience and the following evening Barb hosted the crew for a private BBQ which gave them some well
deserved relaxation time away from their busy schedule.
We then had Maiden crew in attendance at the RYC regatta on Saturday and Sunday. We clearly made a favorable impression as they posted photos with the participants and Able Sail on their social media.
RYC members were in attendance at the fund raising dinner at the Marco Polo and at
the luncheon at the Union Club.
Thanks to the generosity of RYC members Megan Moir presented a cheque for$1600.00 to the Maiden Factor and the women sailors from RYC enjoyed a wonderful day sail. It should be noted that 50%of all funds raised by the Maiden Factor in Saint John will be distributed to local charities in keeping with their mission.
The screening of the documentary and the Q and A session with Tracy Edwards at the Container Village was very well attended and enjoyed by all.
It was such a great experience for me to work with Johanne and Barb on the planning committee and we know that the crew of Maiden really enjoyed their visit to
Saint John. They certainly provided us with
unforgettable memories.
Maiden is a Global Ambassador for the Empowerment of Girls through Education
Our Mission: The Maiden Factor Foundation works with, raises funds for and supports communities to enable girls into education and empower and support them to remain throughout their teenage years to reach their full potential and create better futures for all
Our Vision: A world where every girl has access to 12 years of quality education; empowering them to choose their future and fulfil their dreams
Maiden's Story
Maiden inspired a generation of women. Skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE, she led the first all-female crew to compete in the notoriously difficult Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989/90. The vision, values and courage of one man, HM King Hussein I of Jordan who brought in their sponsor, made the incredible story of Maiden possible.
Despite fierce opposition and sexism, Tracy and her team won two of the toughest legs on the course and came second overall. It was a landmark moment for the sailing world and opened the door for competitive female sailing.
Tracy’s exploits earned her an MBE as well as becoming the first woman to receive the ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ trophy but was forced to sell Maiden at the end of 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.
Maiden’s new mission became raising awareness of the 130 million girls worldwide who are currently not able to access an education by interacting with, fundraising for and supporting community programmes worldwide which enable girls into education and support them to remain there through their teenage years.
Maiden began her unique three-year world tour in November 2018, sailing with this world changing purpose. The main focus for the first year was to listen, research, learn and grow our audiences and plan where and how Maiden would have the greatest impact on improving the rights of girls to an education around the world and identify opportunities for girls in STEM subjects.
During this time, we worked with six charities who work globally within a particular area that break down the barriers that prevent girls from accessing an education and provide the solutions.
We learned that Maiden has the power to inspire and empower girls (and boys!); when Maiden arrived in port, she was already a star with her own fan club, not just with sailors and/or girls. Maiden has the ability to reach across genders, colour, creed, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic backgrounds and generations.
The ‘Maiden’ story is relevant and relatable to everyone, again not just sailors, but to every human being who strives to reach their full potential; to succeed against the odds. Maiden is proof that with self-belief, grit, determination, relentlessness, anyone from anywhere can change the world.
RYC Welcomed crew from Maiden at our Annual Dinghy Regatta
Our Mission: The Maiden Factor Foundation works with, raises funds for and supports communities to enable girls into education and empower and support them to remain throughout their teenage years to reach their full potential and create better futures for all
Our Vision: A world where every girl has access to 12 years of quality education; empowering them to choose their future and fulfil their dreams
Maiden's Story
Maiden inspired a generation of women. Skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE, she led the first all-female crew to compete in the notoriously difficult Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989/90. The vision, values and courage of one man, HM King Hussein I of Jordan who brought in their sponsor, made the incredible story of Maiden possible.
Despite fierce opposition and sexism, Tracy and her team won two of the toughest legs on the course and came second overall. It was a landmark moment for the sailing world and opened the door for competitive female sailing.
Tracy’s exploits earned her an MBE as well as becoming the first woman to receive the ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ trophy but was forced to sell Maiden at the end of 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.
Maiden’s new mission became raising awareness of the 130 million girls worldwide who are currently not able to access an education by interacting with, fundraising for and supporting community programmes worldwide which enable girls into education and support them to remain there through their teenage years.
Maiden began her unique three-year world tour in November 2018, sailing with this world changing purpose. The main focus for the first year was to listen, research, learn and grow our audiences and plan where and how Maiden would have the greatest impact on improving the rights of girls to an education around the world and identify opportunities for girls in STEM subjects.
During this time, we worked with six charities who work globally within a particular area that break down the barriers that prevent girls from accessing an education and provide the solutions.
We learned that Maiden has the power to inspire and empower girls (and boys!); when Maiden arrived in port, she was already a star with her own fan club, not just with sailors and/or girls. Maiden has the ability to reach across genders, colour, creed, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic backgrounds and generations.
The ‘Maiden’ story is relevant and relatable to everyone, again not just sailors, but to every human being who strives to reach their full potential; to succeed against the odds. Maiden is proof that with self-belief, grit, determination, relentlessness, anyone from anywhere can change the world.