On the road again

In part one of this interview Tracy Edwards talks to James Boyd about sailing with a mixed crew

Also present were navigator Adrienne Cahalan and Mikaela von Koskull, the only one of the original Maiden crew to return. Then there was Helena Darvelid who skippered the Open 60 Alphagraphics in the EDS Atlantic Challenge last year and her crew from that campaign French short-handed sailor Anne Monmousseau. Sam Davies was also there prior to flying back to Miami to continue her training with Shirley Robertson on the Yngling. Not present were two other former Royal & SunAlliance crew Fred Brule and Hannah Harwood who have also signed up.

Although sporadic commitment from her crew is a far from ideal situation, Edwards gives the impression that she is proud of her girls being out there making their mark whether it is in the Olympics, Volvo or Open 60s. She says she has no problems with crew dipping in and out of her campaign, as she will simply supplement the crew for the record attempts other than the Jules Verne.

At present 12 crew (including Edwards) are on the list, but Edwards is looking for more. So how many will she take? "I think 16. I spoke to Grant [Dalton] about it and he said "we went around with 14 and it was tough, so add two"". It seems likely that we may see some more of Lisa McDonald's crew being signed up when the Volvo Ocean Race finishes in June.

Other personnel involved on the non-sailing side of the project include Howard Gibbons, reunited with Edwards after last having worked with her as shore manager of the original Maiden for the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race. Multihull sailor and former PlayStation helm, Brian Thompson, is taking on the role of Yacht Manager while Jools Barringer is Crew Liaison Manager. Barringer's last job was working with ginger nut radio and TV presenter Chris Evans.

Who will be skipper? See page 3...

Top row (left to right): Mikaela von Koskull, Emma Richards, Tracy Edwards, (a catamaran which looks like a repainted Royal & SunAlliance ), Sam Davies, Helena Darvelid
Bottom row: (left to right): Miranda Merron, Adrienne Cahalan, Sharon Ferris and Anne Monmousseau