A refitted ‘Maiden’ will embark on a three-year global voyage to promote and fundraise for girls\u2019 education.<\/p>\n
Best known for competing in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989\/1990, skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE with the race\u2019s first ever all-female crew, the yacht Maiden will begin its tour this summer with Ms Edwards at the helm and men on board as part of the \u2018guest\u2019 crew.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that now is the time for men and women to join forces and work together to combat inequality in all walks of life,\u201d said Ms Edwards. \u201cThere are so many men and women who want to help us break down barriers that stop girls getting to school and raising funds for girls\u2019 education is such a positive message in today\u2019s climate.\u201d<\/p>\n
30 stopovers<\/p>\n
With 30 stopovers in 18 countries, Maiden will promote and raise money for education for girls worldwide, while \u2018guest\u2019 crew places for sale will generate funds for The Maiden Factor Foundation, founded by Ms Edwards, which works with charities focusing on girls\u2019 education initiatives.<\/p>\n
The first stopover of the world tour will be Aqaba in Jordan, in honour of HM the Late King Hussein of Jordan, who believed in Ms Edwards and told her that \u201cwith faith, honour and courage anything is possible\u201d when she was struggling to get to the start of the line of the Whitbread Race.<\/p>\n
HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, HM King Hussein\u2019s daughter, is carrying on the support by facilitating Maiden\u2019s trip.<\/p>\n
Refit<\/p>\n
After Maiden was rescued from the Seychelles where it had been neglected, it returned to the UK in April 2017. Here it was stripped and had it hull shotblasted and primer added to prevent the aluminium from oxidising in the air.<\/p>\n
In August, the worst affected areas of the aluminium were cut out and new ones fixed in place and welded. In November, the aluminium work continued to finish the bulkheads, chain plates and P-bracket.<\/p>\n
In December, the core aluminium jobs were finished, which allowed the painting team to prep, fill and fair and spray the topsides with primer. This January, the hull below the waterline and the transom were completed.<\/p>\n
Work is expected to begin shortly on the installation of non-structural bulkheads and equipment.<\/p>\n
via Boating Business | 2018 fundraising Maiden voyage<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A refitted ‘Maiden’ will embark on a three-year global voyage to promote and fundraise for girls\u2019 education. Best known for competing in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989\/1990, skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE with the race\u2019s first ever … Continue reading