Tracy Edwards MBE

She successfully completed the 1990 Whitbread Round the World Race — with the first ever female crew. Their yacht ‘Maiden’ became the first British yacht since 1973 to win two legs in that prestigious race. This result still remains unbeaten today. Tracy was subsequently voted ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ and awarded an MBE.More recently Tracy’s last project was breaking records in a 92ft catamaran. In 1998 she entered the Jules Verne Challenge to circumnavigate the globe non-stop in just 80 days and to attempt to beat the current record of 71 days. Before setting off her team smashed the Channel Record by 40 minutes at an average speed of 22.7 knots which is the fastest ocean sailing record in the world. They also presently hold the Australia to New Zealand record and the fastest time from Cowes to Fastnet Rock. After 43 gruelling days at sea, Tracy’s race ended when the catamaran lost her mast in the most treacherous ocean in the world. Yet by harnessing the strength, experience and professionalism of the team, Tracy and her crew created a temporary rig and reached the safety of Chile without help.

Tracy wrote a very successful book about Maiden and was also involved in the documentary on the ‘Maiden Voyage’ and the BBC documentary, which was shown in October this year, entitled ‘Girls and Buoys’, this time about the Jules Verne, Tracy’s last challenge. She is an engaging presenter having commentated for the Tall Ships Race, the Southampton Boat Show and the 1993-4 Whitbread Race.

Tracy has become a sought after motivational speaker. She shares her unique attitudes to team building, communication, trust, respect and the importance of strong leadership, in a way which is relaxed, entertaining and inspirational.