After a red carpet welcome to the port city that included large crowds, tug boat shows and a welcome flotilla of 30 ships, the all-female racing sailboat Maiden kicks off a week of activities in Saint John.
Maiden, a compact and fast 58ft sailboat, is traveling the world to promote girls’ education and inspire women to pursue careers in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math. Money raised by the Maiden Factor goes to educational programs for girls around the world.
It might not be immediately obvious to earthlings – but sailing requires math problem-solving skills and science concepts, said Tracy Edwards, founder and project manager of Maiden Factor, who will speak at the event. a ticketed event at the Union Club on August 10.
“There’s navigation, which is mathematical. The science has a lot to do with how you set sail, how wind angles work, all these other things,” Edwards told CBC in an online interview. July.
“Through sailing we can demonstrate – in a fun way, outside of the classroom – how all of these skills can be used.”
Saint John is the Maiden’s only Canadian port of call. The ship will remain in port until August 13.
Events include a visit with Able Sail, a non-profit organization that provides the sailing experience for people with disabilities, a discussion with the crew of Saint John’s Learning Exchange-Women’s Empowerment Network, activities with Brilliant Labs and the Saint John Boys and Girls Club, an evening regatta with students learning to sail at the Royal Kennebecasis Yacht Club and a stop at the Sea Shanty Festival in St. Martins.
The public can take open boat trips on Saturday August 6th and Sunday August 7th.
Maiden made headlines and history around the world in 1989-90 when the first all-female crew competed in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Purchased by Edwards and refitted in 2017, Maiden was relaunched as an educational vessel.
In January, the ship left Dubai for a three-year, 90,000-nautical-mile voyage sponsored by DP World, which operates a large multi-purpose terminal in Saint John.
After the stopover in New Brunswick, Maiden and her crew will head to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. Newport, RI, and Nantucket, Mass. before heading to the Azores, Senegal, Cape Town and beyond.
A full calendar of events is available on Port Saint John’s social media.
Maiden’s world tour ends in December 2024.
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