Edwards is go...

Maiden 2 gets green light on Jules Verne Trophy attempt

Tracy Edwards today announced her team's plans for the coming winter. Maiden II will undergo a refit within the next couple of months in preparation for another Jules Verne attempt.

Maiden II and her team of eight men and eight women, who sailed Maiden II to victory last year, will go on standby during December. Brian Thompson co-skipper of Maiden II will once again be at the helm for a non-stop circumnavigation of the world in an attempt to beat the current record of 64 days. Thompson skippered Maiden II to four world record victories in 2002.

Edwards and her team are currently in negotiations with a sponsor and hope to make an announcement at the Southampton Boat Show in September, along with their new Project Manager.

While the Maiden II crew have been out on the world's oceans clocking up more miles and records for other teams, Maiden II has been laid up since November last year while the search for sponsorship continued.

Edwards said today "it has been a long and difficult road for all of us as the search for funding has been ongoing in this difficult economic climate but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are speaking with a fantastic company and hope to conclude the deal as soon as possible. My team have as always been, fantastic and very supportive. They have kept me going through the lay up, as have all the wonderful companies who have supported us this far. I would like to offer my sincere thanks, as we wouldn't be here now without them."

Thompson said "We are all looking forward to getting back out on the water and a great year ahead of breaking records!"