Tracy Edwards is a distinguished British sailor whose name resonates profoundly in the world of sailing and beyond. Renowned for her exceptional leadership of the first all-female crew to sail a British boat to victory in two legs of a major race, ultimately securing second place overall, Tracy has etched her name in the history books. She shattered a three-decade-long gender barrier by winning the Yachtsman of the Year award, a testament to her indomitable spirit and extraordinary sailing skills. Her journey from a novice sailor to a world-class athlete is brimming with valuable lessons on leadership, team motivation, and achieving excellence. Today, Tracy stands as a motivational keynote speaker, sharing her wisdom and insights at various events, and empowering audiences with her story and teachings.
Tracy’s journey in the sailing world began at the tender age of 17, working on charter yachts in Greece. This experience ignited her passion for sailing, propelling her into her first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1985, where she made history as the first woman to race around the world in a Maxi. Tracy's knack for building high-performing teams has been evident throughout her career, leading numerous crews to victory and clinching prestigious awards, such as the Jules Verne Trophy. Her inspiring story is captured in the book 'Maiden', detailing her extraordinary journey and the lessons learned along the way.
In recognition of her contributions to the sport and society, Tracy was appointed MBE in 1990, further solidifying her legacy. That same year, she was honoured with the Sportswoman of the Year and Sports Team of the Year awards, accolades that speak volumes about her impact and influence. Beyond sailing, Tracy has engaged in meaningful work, including a two-year stint as a Project Manager for the International Youth Advisory Conference of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, and collaborations with the UN on important resolutions.
Today, Tracy Edwards is the Founder of Safer World Training, a project aimed at equipping young people with knowledge on critical issues such as online reputation, sexting, and cyberbullying. Her message transcends the sailing world, focusing on leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity, making her a sought-after speaker for events on team building, leadership, and personal development. Engage Tracy Edwards as your next keynote speaker and unlock the doors to inspiration, motivation, and invaluable life lessons.
