Tracy Edwards Leads All Female Crew to Sailing Victory in MAIDEN

 

Whenever anyone would insinuate there was something I couldn’t do simply because of my height, my color, my gender or the fact that no one had ever accomplished what I aspired to for all of aforementioned reasons, my response would secretly and quietly be – WATCH THIS!

I never have or never will feel defeated as long as I believe victory comes in whatever I put set mind with all the elbow grease and tenacity I can muster.

Clearly, this was the mindset that led Tracy Edwards into leading the first all-female crew to make history sailing around the world winning the 2nd and 3rd legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race clocking in second overall in her class.  To this date, the best result for a British boat in 17years and remains the best result ever for an all-female crew.

Laden with criticism from competitors and dismissed by media, Edwards and her Maiden crew were not expected to complete the race, let alone accomplish what many considered impossible. The obstacles were daunting.  Edwards had no boat, no financial support, no  corporate sponsors, 52 days at sea in extreme conditions, mainmast leaks and losing a few crew members before seeing sail.

Directed by Alex Holmes, MAIDEN is one of the most inspiring tales of determination and the power of what can happen when women stick together, support and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.  Why do we live in a culture where men are so threatened by the female species in any and every lane.  Even when ‘Creghton’s Naturally’ lost two men overboard, it was the Maiden crew and Skipper Tracy Edwards who aided in rescuing the men.  Only one survived.

My favorite moment came when during one of the legs it was apparent Maiden wouldn’t win, they cleaned up, changed clothes and donned swimsuits as they pulled into the dock.  Poking fun at the same media outlets and competitors who consistently clowned them throughout their journey.  Watching footage of the ladies rolling in for the final leg of the race surrounded by hundreds of supporters sailing alongside the Maiden crew to celebrate their victory was beyond emotional.

It was a reminder to never let others put limitations or acid race on your parade to cross the finish line of life.  It’s your journey to color in any shade you choose. Maiden is extraordinary!!! Heartfelt, inspiring emotional journey …one I shall never forget

Currently, Tracy has taken the female empowerment, youth advocacy and a passion for sailing  into an the Maiden Factor Foundation (named for her original sailboat).  Produced by Sony Pictures Classics, Maiden hit theaters on June 28.