Thursday, June 5th, 2025
Tracy Edwards MBE: My Story and Why I am a Member of Women's Rights Network
St Brelade Parish Hall La Neuve Route JE3 8BS Jersey
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Tracy Edwards MBE: My Story and Why I am a Member of Women's Rights Network
Come join us for an inspiring evening with Tracy Edwards MBE as she shares her incredible journey and discusses why she is a proud member of the Women's Rights Network.
Tracy Edwards MBE is a British sailor and inspirational figure whose groundbreaking achievements in the male-dominated world of yacht racing have left an indelible mark on maritime history. In 1989, she made history by skippering the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, aboard the yacht Maiden. Facing skepticism and financial hurdles, Edwards transformed a second-hand vessel into a competitive contender, leading her team to complete the grueling 33,000-mile race, finishing second in their class—an extraordinary feat that challenged gender stereotypes and proved women’s capabilities in high-stakes environments. Her leadership and resilience earned her the 1990 Yachtsman of the Year award, making her the first woman to receive this honor, and she was later appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to sailing and gender equality.
Beyond her historic voyage, Tracy has dedicated her life to empowering others through sailing and education. She founded The Maiden Factor, a nonprofit organization that uses the restored Maiden yacht to promote girls’ education worldwide, raising funds and awareness to provide opportunities for young women in underserved communities.
Tracy is an active member of Women's Rights Network (WRN), a grassroots organization advocating for women’s sex-based rights and protections. Her engagement includes public support for WRN’s campaigns, particularly around safeguarding single-sex spaces and addressing policies that she perceives as undermining women’s rights.
Location:
St Brelade Parish Hall