Tracy Edwards

Tracy Edwards MBE's journey into sailing took an unconventional path. After losing her father young and being expelled from school at 15, she found her way into sailing as an onboard cook and soon rose above her sea-sickness to become a professional sailor in 1980. Tracy made history as the first woman to race on a Maxi yacht in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1985-86, earning international fame when she led the first all-female crew in the 1989/90 race. With the support of her friend, King Hussein of Jordan, "Maiden" completed the race, securing two leg wins and placing second overall in her class, a historic achievement for British sailing. For this, Tracy was awarded an MBE and became the first woman to win the Yachtsman of the Year Trophy.

Following Maiden’s success, Tracy led another all-female crew in the 1998 Jules Verne Trophy. While treacherous seas cut their attempt short, they set seven world records. Tracy retired from round-the-world sailing two years later to raise her daughter, Mackenna, and in 2000/01, she managed the world’s first mixed-sex professional record-breaking crew, "Maiden II", setting yet more records, including the fastest 24-hour sailing record. She then shifted focus to organising international sailing events and shaping the governance of multihull racing.

Tracy’s passion for leadership extended beyond the seas. After working with CEOP and the UN, she earned a degree in psychology from Roehampton University in 2010. In 2014, she spearheaded the rescue of "Maiden", launching "The Maiden Factor Foundation" to champion girls’ education around the world. Since then, Maiden has been restored and embarked on a world tour, raising funds and awareness for the 130 million girls denied access to education globally, particularly in STEM subjects.

In 2023, Maiden crossed the start line of the OGR with the most diverse crew to ever race a professional yacht, including the first Afghan and first three black women to compete in a global sailing race. Tracy’s leadership in breaking barriers continues, with Maiden now a global ambassador for girls’ education.