Maiden home victorious

Following world record setting 24 hour run

Tracy Edwards' maxi-catamaran Maiden II made her triumphal entry into the Solent at lunchtime, following her impressive 697 mile 24 hour world record run set during her delivery trip across from Newport, Rhode Island. This distance will become a new world record once it is ratified by the World Speed Sailing Record Council.

Not in headline grabbing mood or anything, the team flew a giant flag of St George as they sailed down the Solent playing homage to the hopes of the England football team in their valiant efforts against Brazil tomorrow morning in the World Cup.

On Saturday Maiden II will set off on the Round the Island Race, attempting not only to win on elapsed time, but to break the course record and Steve Fossett's outright record for the round the island course. madfor sailing will be reporting from on board.

More pics on page 2...

Maiden II enters the Solent



Maiden II comes out in support of the English football team



The victorious crew and Team Manager Tracy Edwards (centre)