Edwards responds

Future of ocean racing looks bright says Tracy Edwards

Following the recent announcement of a joint venture between Tracy Edwards MBE and the State of Qatar, Maiden Ocean Racing Qatar (MORQ) will be meeting with the owners of various maxi multihulls later this month to discuss the opportunities The Oryx Cup and the Qatar Sports Global Challenge open up for them, their sponsors and the sport. MORQ has already received written support for its plans from most of the maxi multihull owners.

During the crew’s visit to Qatar this week, Tracy Edwards commented: “I am delighted to be able to fulfil my dream of organising and owning events. Since our announcement, we have received many wishes of support and interest from the maxi cat owners and their sponsors.

“I am aware of the vitriolic accusations that one individual has made against me, but you cannot lay international claim to the concept of a race round the world nor claim ownership of a whole class. We saw two spots on the sailing calendar that nobody else had filled and seized the opportunity to create two magnificent events."

Tracy Edwards, a member of the Jules Verne Trophy Association, has been in discussions with Olivier de Kersuason, President of association, and she is looking forward to continuing discussions with him in the future. In a media release issued last week the association has already issued their congratulations for her sponsorship and support for her program.

Tracy commented: “Lack of funding has hampered and threatened the future of ocean racing for several years. The joint venture between Maiden Ocean Racing and the State of Qatar is fantastic news for the growth of the sport. We look forward to discussing the many opportunities the two new events have opened, not only for our team, but for all the maxi multihull owners.”