Queen Camilla is preparing to extend a warm welcome to an exceptional group of athletes at Clarence House next week.
The Queen will graciously host the 'Maiden' yachting crew, honoring their groundbreaking victory in the Ocean Globe Race, where they achieved an unprecedented feat as the first all-female team to triumph in an around-the-world yacht race.
The Ocean Globe Race (OGR) of 2023-24, paying tribute to the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race, saw 14 boats embark on a challenging journey spanning 27,000 nautical miles. Starting and concluding in the UK, with notable stops in South Africa, New Zealand, and Uruguay, the race captured the spirit of adventure and determination.
Three decades earlier, skipper Tracy Edwards MBE and her remarkable all-female crew made waves by securing second place in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race aboard the 58ft Maiden yacht. Their participation marked a historic moment as the first all-female team to compete in such a prestigious global event.
Prior to the crew's departure in September 2023, Queen Camilla, aged 76, conveyed a heartfelt message of encouragement and support, expressing her pride in their extraordinary journey.
In her message, she conveyed: "You are all much in my thoughts today, as you cross the start line of the Ocean Globe Race for Maiden’s final race. I do hope that each one of you is proud to be part of such a special crew, bringing messages of hope to girls across the world. I wish you fair winds and following seas! - Camilla R."
The upcoming celebration at Clarence House serves as a testament to the crew's indomitable spirit and their invaluable contribution to advancing gender equality in the realm of sports and beyond.
