Tracy Edwards

The former Maiden skipper spoke to James Boyd about her latest plans for the Jules Verne Trophy

At the launch of Alphagraphics I am struck by how futile it is to have women's teams in sailing. What's the point in this day and age? Ellen MacArthur has proved that women can perform equally well as men in her sector of the sport. Tracy acknowledges this, and says that for all-female teams in sailing, the Jules Verne remains the last barrier to be broken.

She still feels that there is a place for all-female teams as it is still hard for women to find a place on board top level racing boats. In the Volvo Ocean Race for example there are no women sailing other than with Lisa McDonald on the all-female Nautor Challenge boat. In the current EDS Atlantic Challenge it is slightly less chauvanist: apart from Helena's boat, Isabelle Autissier is racing on Fila and Miranda Merron on Ecover.

"I think the girls will be accepted into mixed projects, but it is still quite difficult," she says. "Until they get accepted I guess we'll have to wait a bit longer." However since Maiden there are now many many more women racers who are at the top of their sport. Many, from Dawn Riley to Emma Richards, Miranda Merron and now Helena, have cut their teeth with Tracy. "Putting Maiden together was a case of making it up as you go along. Now you have a choice and there are some amazing sailors."