Maiden isn’t a sailing superyacht. But the superyacht community is fully behind The Maiden Factor Foundation. They, and others who want to help the foundation support global education for girls, are gathering for a fundraiser on May 2. And you’re invited.
The 58-foot (18-meter) Maiden, a Bruce Farr design, launched in 1979. She fell into disrepair until Tracy Edwards, an avid sailor, bought her in 1987. Together with 12 other women, Edwards restored her, with the intention of competing in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race. Edwards, as the 26-year-old captain, and her entirely female crew faced grueling conditions at sea. So, too, did they face criticism and bias for doing what only male racers had done previously. Maiden crossed into the history books, coming in second in her class overall.
This experience inspired Edwards to establish The Maiden Factor Foundation. “We were told we couldn’t do it, but we showed how sailing is a level playing field,” Edwards says. “Now I’m making it my mission to advocate for girls’ education around the world.”
The foundation collaborates with, raises money for, and supports communities enabling girls to get an education. Additionally, it’s supporting these communities so that the girls can continue on their journey throughout their teenage years.
To promote The Maiden Factor Foundation, Maiden is currently sailing to 40 different destinations in 20 countries. She’s arriving in Miami in late April. The International SeaKeepers Society and SeaKeepers Women for Ocean Advocacy is hosting a reception for the foundation on May 2. It’s at Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens. Our editor, Diane M. Byrne, is among those on the host committee.
As the video states, if you educate a girl, you can change the world.
The Maiden Factor themaidenfactor.org
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