Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S-Series LEADERBOARD

MDL Marinas prepares grand homecoming parade for iconic yacht Maiden and her all-female crew

by MDL Marinas 16 Apr 2024 09:26 UTC 19-21 April 2024
Maiden © Kurt Arrigo / Jarhead Young Sailors

MDL Marinas is thrilled to announce that the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2024 will feature a special welcome home parade for the crew of Maiden on Saturday 20th April, marking a jubilant highlight at this year's show.

Renowned for its showcase of global power and sail brands and sustainable boating solutions, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show will celebrate and honour the epic journey of the world-famous sailing yacht Maiden and her intrepid all-female crew.

Following a six-year World Tour, raising awareness and funds for Girls' Education around the globe, and seven months competing in her last round the world race, Maiden will be returning to MDL's flagship Ocean Village Marina, from where she departed on her epic 27,000-mile global navigation last September. The iconic marina offers the perfect backdrop to host the illustrious vessel for a celebration to remember.

MDL Marinas is inviting all boat owners and skippers to join the official homecoming parade, taking place in front of thousands of show goers and other spectators, as well as the local and national press. Offering some of the best vantage points to view Maiden's arrival, boats in the harbour will be in prime position to soak up the exciting atmosphere.

Boat owners and skippers are invited to participate by joining the flotilla alongside Maiden for the Parade of Sail as she makes her way from Cowes to Ocean Village. The welcome home parade aims to recreate the triumphant scene of Maiden's celebrated homecoming to Ocean Village Marina in 1990, where it was estimated a crowd of 50,000 came to witness the momentous event.

Skippered by legendary sailor Tracy Edwards MBE alongside the first ever all-female crew, they achieved a ground-breaking finish in the Whitbread Round the World Race, changing the face of sailing for women around the world and inspiring them to follow their dreams.

Commenting on Maiden's homecoming Edwards says: "We want to re-create Maiden's 1990 homecoming and hope that everyone in the area with a boat will be out on the water to cheer Maiden and her inspirational young, all-female crew home to Southampton."

"Half the boats in the Solent turned out to welcome Tracy and her crew back home in 1990," says Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director, MDL Marinas. "We're hoping the boating community will once again turn out to give Maiden a hero's welcome home."

For this extraordinary and historic event, boats can register their interest by completing the form here. Boats will meet off Cowes on the Isle of Wight at 0800hrs on Saturday 20 April for the Parade of Sail across The Solent and up to Ocean Village in Southampton.

For non-boat owners wishing to join in the Parade of Sail, they can still be part of the on-water celebration aboard the cruise boat Ocean Scene. Fully heated with saloons, sundecks and onboard facilities, the popular passenger vessel will pick up guests from E Pontoon at Ocean Village at 0600 and sail across to Cowes, where it will meet Maiden and join the Parade of Sail up Southampton water and into Ocean Village, disembarking at 0945. Ferry tickets can be purchased here.

Show visitors will have a fantastic viewpoint to see Maiden's arrival at the marina, as well as getting the chance to meet the crew and hear about their round-the-world adventures using only a sextant, charts and the stars. Visitors will also get the unique opportunity to see Maiden up close.

"The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is free to attend, so come and enjoy a great day out with the added excitement of joining in with the Maiden celebrations," adds Mayer. "We are very excited to host Maiden's welcome home parade as part of this year's show.

"This event not only pays homage to Maiden's extraordinary achievements but also celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and passion that defines the boating community. We look forward to welcoming everyone for a memorable day of celebration."

Leading provider of smart logistics solutions, DP World is the official Return Partner and title sponsor of The Maiden Factor, championing Maiden and her crew throughout their epic world tour and race. The monies raised through The Maiden Factor Foundation have benefited charities around the world, helping to inspire and empower girls through education, which neatly ties in with DP World's 'Our World, Our Future' sustainability strategy, focusing on three legacy areas: Women, Education and Water.

For more information about the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show visit here.

For more information on MDL and its marinas, including its flagship marina Ocean Village, visit www.mdlmarinas.co.uk.

Related Articles

Maritimo propeller development
"High speed screw development definitely is a scientific approach to what is a black art" "High speed screw development definitely is a scientific approach to what is a black art," said Willaton in opening. "Propellers can be a tricky thing, and so we take the hull resistance figures from our in-house Naval Architect here at Maritimo." Posted on 9 May
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode One
Episode One - Wes Moxey, CEO of Riviera Motor Yachts - is now up and running Episode One - Wes Moxey, CEO of Riviera Motor Yachts - is now up and running Posted on 8 May
SAY it with intent! SAY it in carbon…
You know, you might also have to SAY it in epoxy. You know, you might also have to SAY it in epoxy. Get all that, and you are certainly someone who needs to know about SAY Carbon Yachts. It's all about efficiency, acceleration, pace, and the amount of horsepower required to get there. Posted on 8 May
IGFA's 2025 "World Record Game Fishes" book
The iconic 82nd edition celebrates angling achievement, conservation, and record-breaking catches IGFA, the global authority on world records, is proud to announce the release of the 2025 IGFA "World Record Game Fishes" book, the world's most trusted and comprehensive resource on recreational angling records and international fishing standards. Posted on 8 May
Learn powerboating skills in Old Saybrook
From the basics to 2 new hands-on courses added for experienced boaters Recreational boaters are beginning to return to the waters of Long Island Sound. Are they prepared? Posted on 8 May
Bulwarks and Bulldust – new Vodcast Show launches
Join us as we pan for the gold dust, whilst sifting out the bulldust. Bulwarks and Bulldust looks at the serious subjects from inside the world of boating, but we don't take ourselves too seriously. The show covers off everything from Off The Beach to Superyachts, Powerboats to Ocean Racing, and the marine industry itself Posted on 6 May
ASA supports season changes for Chesapeake Bay
The new plan aims to reduce regulatory complexity, improve angler access during cooler months Maryland has submitted a proposal to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to simplify and update the Chesapeake Bay recreational striped bass fishing seasons. Posted on 6 May
Huynh catches way more than walleye with FFS
Regarded by his peers as one of the best walleye wranglers in America Given the fact Vexus® Ambassador Tom Huynh is the 2024 National Walleye tour champion and is regarded by his peers as one of the best walleye wranglers in America, he's totally comfortable with his masculinity. Posted on 3 May
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big news from Big Deal! Big news from Big Deal! Late last month, she successfully completed her first sea trial—a major milestone as she moves closer to delivery. Posted on 2 May
Introducing the all-new Stingray Boats 259DC
Built on the exclusive, revolutionary high-performing Z-Plane hull We unveiled our all-new 259DC dual console model to the media and public during the 2025 Miami Int'l Boat Show in mid-February. It's the sister model to the 253CC center console in our line-up. Posted on 2 May
Maritimo 2023 M600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts