MDL Marinas and our return partner DP World invite you to take part in the grand homecoming parade for Maiden and her crew
We are thrilled to announce that the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2024 will feature a special welcome home parade for the crew of Maiden from 08.00 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 world-famous Maiden and her intrepid all-female crew.
Following a six-year World Tour, raising awareness and funds for Girls’ Education around the world, 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.
We are inviting all boat owners and skippers to join in with 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 are 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 legendary homecoming to Ocean Village Marina in 1990, skippered by iconic sailor Tracy Edwards MBE alongside the first ever all-female crew after their 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.
Leading provider of smart logistics solutions, DP World is the 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 charity 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, focussing on three legacy areas: Women, Education and Water.
Welcome Home Maiden aboard Ocean Scene
If you don't have a boat to join in the Parade of Sail, then you can still book tickets aboard Ocean Scene to welcome Maiden home to Southampton as she finishes her six-year World Tour and final ever race.
Photo credit: © The Maiden Factor - Kaia Bint Savage
