Tracy Edwards MBE launches Crowdfunder Appeal to rescue historic boat

Tracy Edwards MBE, today launched an appeal with Crowdfunder.co.uk to rescue Maiden - the boat she skippered in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989/90. It was the first time an all-female crew had sailed around the world and not only did they smash all expectations, they smashed records and took second place overall.



Tracy was forced to sell Maiden after Whitbread and now, 24 years later, Maiden is rotting away in the Indian Ocean. The plan is to refit her and sail her back home arriving in the Solent on the 28th May 2015, crossing the finish line at 11am – exactly 25 years after she made history.

When Maiden returns to the UK she has a big future ahead of her and she will be working with a wide variety of charities and projects, including young people with the Prince’s Trust and Regenerate. She will also travel to Maritime museums where people can see her and enjoy her.

Tracy is aiming to raise £44,000.00 with Crowdfunder -an alternative means of funding via the power of the crowd and has 28 days to raise the money. Unless the target fund is reached in full, any monies pledged are returned.

“When we originally launched the Maiden project all those years ago, hundreds of people very kindly supported us. We are hoping people will be kind once again and help us rescue this historic piece of maritime history.” Tracy said at the launch today. “There are many rewards on offer from books, T-shirts, a variety of sailing opportunities and a 25th anniversary party. Please help us bring Maiden home to the UK. Thank you so much”.

Whitbread veteran & Putney resident, Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran said:
“I really am very excited to be part of the mission to rescue Maiden to commemorate her 25th anniversary. When Tracy and I sailed around the world, in the 1985/86 Whitbread Round the World Race, she was on Atlantic Privateer and I was on my boat Drum. We had many swashbuckling adventures and in those days of course it was very much a male dominated event. But, little did I know that Tracy would go round again, and the next time with an all-girl crew on what is now a piece of Maritime History. Maiden kept the girls safe on their epic voyage and I can’t wait till we get her back to the UK where she belongs.”

Please click on the link to go to Maiden’s fundraising page:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/Maiden-Rescue

June 6, 2014