Despite People’s Doubts, a Group of Women Turns the Tide in a Yacht Race

Tracy Edwards in "Maiden"
Photo Credit: Imdb.com

“The ocean is always trying to kill you.  It never takes a break.”  As we open on Alex Holmes’ emotional, thrilling, and inspiring documentary, “Maiden,” these words from sailor Tracy Edwards are heard over images of rolling waves, waves that are as beautiful as they are frightening.  It’s in this image where he introduces us to the dangers that any boaters can encounter and gives us an idea of what the team of sailors at the focus of the story had to endure to make their dream a reality.

In England 1989, Edwards decides to enter the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, where she intends to put together the first all-female crew and make an impression on an event that has been male-dominated since its beginning.  With an intense determination, Edwards and her team set out on their boat, “Maiden,” for a race that will have them travel over 32,000 miles for a months-long journey.

At the beginning of the film, Holmes explores Edwards’ home life and what made her become a sailor.  Having faced many difficulties after her father’s passing, Edwards’ becomes an adventure seeker, searching for a freedom that can bring her new opportunities.  With the details from these years of Tracy’s life, we’re able to connect with her more and understand why sailing begins to appeal to her.  It’s an example of how some of the worst moments in your life can lead to some of the best, and watching her as she begins to put the pieces in motion for the vast undertaking that will change the lives of her and her crew will have you enthralled as they overcome one obstacle after another.

Holmes provides an in-depth view of the many challenges that Edwards and her crew come up against, even before they start the race.  From fixing up their boat to securing a sponsor, their journey to get on the water proves to be almost as difficult as when they get on the water.  As the outlook becomes brighter for them, we’re elated to witness the group getting closer to achieving their dream of being a part of the race.

Through interviews from Edwards and her crew, we’re given insights pertaining to their jobs on the yacht, what this endeavor means to them, their worries, and their hopes.  The insights that they provide from their experiences offer a fascinating and motivational view of what it means to go beyond what others think you’re capable to accomplishing, and you’re drawn into their commitment to see the task through to the finish line and make history.

Holmes gives us a look into the legs of the journey as the women spend months at sea, battling the elements as they strive to do what many thought that this group couldn’t do.  We see how difficult this race can become, sailing across unforgiving waters that have you living under the constant threat of disaster.  There are also the physical and emotional tolls that impact Edwards and her crew, but one of the best parts about the journey is when we see them putting those factors aside in order to focus on the task at hand.  They don’t intend to get sidetracked from why they’re on the water, and the dedication that they all display surges throughout this uplifting underdog story.

The second leg of the journey is the most intense, where we see the crew battling life-threatening conditions as they travel from Punta del Este, Uruguay, to Fremantle, Australia.  As they travel through waters that are within the Antarctic region, they must face rough waters and freezing temperatures.  However, this makes the following scene all of the more satisfying, which shows them placing first in the second leg.  This is one of several scenes that leaves a huge smile on your face because of how proud you are to watch Edwards and her team rise above the skepticism of many.   

“Maiden” has Holmes creating a celebratory testament to the importance of never letting your dreams be viewed as impossible, and also about how hard work is its own reward.  This is a story that must be experienced, one that will have you cheering as Edwards and her crew leave all of the naysayers in their wake.

Grade: A