MDL to host OGR Captains' Dinner and charity auction to support marine charities

Offering a unique opportunity to dine with the intrepid skippers and crews taking part in the retro Ocean Globe Race (OGR) before they set sail, we’re hosting a black-tie Captains’ Dinner at the Harbour Hotel in Ocean Village on Friday 1st September 2023.

Celebrating our 50th anniversary, and that of the Whitbread Round the World Race, this exceptional evening of entertainment will include a charity auction to raise money for the Ocean Youth Trust (South), Blue Marine Foundation and The Maiden Factor Foundation, with a whole host of fantastic items up for grabs (details below).

What better way to get into the spirit of this epic sailing challenge than to enjoy a delicious meal with the remarkable sailors who’ll be setting sail from Ocean Village, where so many ocean races have started from before. Absolutely everyone’s welcome, and with skippers past and present joining in the celebrations, this is a real must for sailing aficionados.

Among the 40 renowned sailors attending will be sailing legend Tracy Edwards MBE. Onboard Maiden in the 1989/1990 Whitbread Tracy sailed the first ever all-female Whitbread crew home to Ocean Village Marina. As the after-dinner speaker, Tracy will be regaling the audience with tales of her on water adventures, and highlighting the valuable work of her charity, The Maiden Factor Foundation, towards empowerment of girls through education.

Speaking recently about the partnership between MDL Marinas and the Ocean Globe Race, Tracy said: “It is an absolutely perfect partnership. I mean, you couldn't write it that MDL have their 50th anniversary the same year as the Whitbread. For me, MDL has been part of every ocean race that I've done. I couldn't have imagined us not being at MDL Ocean Village for the start of this race, that would've been quite discombobulating for all of us. Southampton is the home of ocean racing and that’s its banner if you like."

We are just so, so happy to be back there and to work with the people at MDL who totally get what we need, when we need it. They really are part of that celebration of the Whitbread, I think that's been a hugely powerful part of this race.

We’ve previously hosted the Whitbread in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001, and this year we will host the Race Village and the start of the Ocean Globe Race, bringing this iconic race back to Southampton as it turns 50.

Tickets for the Captains’ Dinner at the 5* Southampton Harbour Hotel at Ocean Village Marina on Friday 1st September cost £100 each or £900 for a table of ten. Tickets include drinks on arrival at 18.30, a delicious three-course meal with wine, and the chance to take part in the auction and meet the race teams face to face. Everyone’s welcome.

Charity Auction

The exclusive lots available to bid on at the Captains’ Dinner charity auction are below, with all proceeds from the auction split between the three amazing charities: Ocean Youth Trust (South), Blue Marine Foundation and The Maiden Factor Foundation.

Bids can also be made in advance online on the Charity Auction webpage.

Lot 1: Name on Maiden

When Maiden was restored in 2018 Tracy Edwards MBE wanted to pay tribute to her mother Patricia Edwards who had been instrumental in supporting Tracy in getting Maiden to the start line of the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race. Tracy placed her mother’s name on the hull along with Joanna Court, the daughter of a Maiden supporter who helped facilitate the new mission. Influenced by this, The Maiden Factor Foundation launched the ‘Names Project’, adding the names of inspirational women from around the world to the yacht’s hull, including its ambassadors Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Lee Curtis, Yasmeen Shabsough and Karmen Royal.

And now, you could have one of a limited number of spaces and add the name of your loved one.

Lot 2: Overnight stay at Southampton Harbour Hotel

Located in Ocean Village Marina, this iconic seven-floor superyacht-inspired hotel rises above the luxury boats of Southampton with its tiered terrace style decks, with views of the Solent. There is no better place to explore the south coast by land or sea.

The winning bid for this lot will receive a night's stay for two with breakfast. All rooms at the hotel include complimentary gin, a Nespresso coffee machine, free in-room WiFi, Bramley toiletries, complimentary use of HarSPA, 24-hour room service, and air conditioning.

Lot 3: Thames champagne lunch cruise

The winning bidder will experience a luxury cruise on the River Thames on board Windrush IV, a classic 47-foot teak motor launch, which has played host to a number of VIPs including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Starting at Bray Marina, you will enjoy fresh pastries and coffee before you head off downstream through Windsor and the Royal Estate. Moored at Eton (if possible), you’ll stop for lunch overlooking Windsor Castle and enjoy a selection of delicious canapés, sandwiches and chilled Champagne. You’ll then return to Bray Marina, taking in the River Thames’ tranquillity and beautiful surroundings (duration six hours, for up to eight guests).

Lot 4: Overnight stay at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl

Overlooking a tranquil lake, the hotel is adjacent to the Ageas Bowl with sweeping views of the cricket ground. Inspired by cricketer Lord Ian Botham, the hotel's signature restaurant Beefy’s serves up a range of modern British dishes, while light lunches and refreshments are available at the eforea Spa Kitchen the Lakeview Bar & Terrace.

The winning bid will have a night's stay for two at Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton with breakfast the following morning in Beefy's. Your stay includes free parking, free WiFi, non-smoking rooms, on-site restaurant, fitness centre, pet-friendly rooms and business centre. This winning lot is valid from 4th September 2023 until 4th March 2024.

Lot 5: Pair of VIP tickets to Southampton Boat Show

Add a touch of luxury with The Quayside Club VIP experience at this year's Southampton International Boat Show. At the Quayside Club you will enjoy first-class hospitality in the exclusive Waterfront Lounge with unparalleled views of the show’s marina.

This winning lot includes: Entry to the show for two people, waterfront lounge, complimentary drinks, a premium served buffet lunch and a cloakroom.

Lot 6: Pair of tickets on SS Shieldhall to watch the start of the Ocean Globe Race

Say bon voyage to the 14 Ocean Globe Race crews in style onboard the historic steamship Shieldhall, the largest working steamship in Britain.

The winning bidder will join friends and family of the crews onboard for a late breakfast at 11.00, before watching the Ocean Globe Race fleet cross the line as Sir Chay Blyth starts the race from the famous Royal Yacht Squadron. After following the yachts down the western Solent to The Needles, a hearty lunch will be served to all at 13.00 prior to cruising back to port.

Lot 7: Four tickets to tour and enjoy lunch on The Royal Yacht Britannia

Explore each of the five decks of The Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what life was like on board Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace, before enjoying a delicious lunch in the sumptuous surroundings of the Tea Room.

The winning bid includes tour tickets and a luncheon voucher for four people.

Lot 8: One track/road cycling experience

Hosted by a GB Gold Medallist, the winning bidder can enjoy a day out at the Olympic velodrome in London.

Choose between the Road Circuit or the Track with both accessing the athlete Q&As, hospitality zones and taking home signed mementoes of the day. Each session comes with coaching and all equipment.

Lot 9: One river rowing experience

The winning bidder will be joined by a GB rower and take to the water at Henley on Thames, rowing along this famous stretch of the Thames while enjoying a 40-minute coaching session, followed by the opportunity to sprint! Athlete Q&As and mementos to take home are included.

Lot 10: One white-water rafting experience

The winning bidder will enjoy a 75-minute session taking on the rapids of the Olympic course at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in the company of a GB gold medallist. There will be an athletes’ Q&A and signed mementoes to take home – just don’t forget your swimmers and a towel.

Please don’t forget to check the website regularly as more lots are being added.

*Tickets are sold through Eventbrite who apply a booking fee of 6.95% + £0.59 + VAT per ticket.