‘Sailing aficionados’ invited to Captains’ Dinner in Southampton as crews gear up for global race

With sailors from around the world busy preparing ahead of this year’s Ocean Globe Race, the Southampton marina from which they’ll soon be setting sail has put together a big send-off event for the skippers and crews involved.

Ocean Village Marina will host its black-tie Captains’ Dinner at the Harbour Hotel this September, and the team is inviting anyone and everyone to book their seat at the table.

Together they’ll be celebrating the shared 50-year anniversary of both MDL Marinas and the Whitbread Round the World Race, the inspiration behind the Ocean Globe Race.

As well as good food and great company, the evening will feature a charity auction to raise money for a trio of worthy causes – Ocean Youth Trust South, Blue Marine Foundation and The Maiden Factor Foundation.

Tim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, said: “What better way to get into the spirit of this epic sailing challenge than to enjoy a delicious meal with the remarkable sailors who’ll be setting off from Ocean Village, where so many ocean races have started from before.

“Absolutely everyone’s welcome, and with skippers past and present joining in the celebrations, this is a real must for sailing aficionados.”

Among the 40 renowned mariners who have already booked their place is sailing legend Tracy Edwards MBE.

Tracy was part of the first-ever all-female crew to sail the Whitbread when she took to the seas for the 1989/90 race on board Maiden.

As the after-dinner speaker for the Captains’ Dinner, she’ll be recounting her adventures on the water and sharing the good work of her charity, The Maiden Factor Foundation, which empowers girls through education.

Tracy said: “The partnership between MDL Marinas and the Ocean Globe Race is absolutely perfect. I mean, you couldn’t write it that MDL have their 50th anniversary the same year as the Whitbread.

“For me, MDL has been part of every ocean race that I’ve done. I couldn’t have imagined us not being at MDL Ocean Village for the start of this race – that would’ve been quite discombobulating for all of us.

“We’re just so, so happy to be back there and to work with the people at MDL who totally get what we need, when we need it.

“They really are part of that celebration of the Whitbread – I think that’s been a hugely powerful part of this race.”

Sailors with Ocean Youth Trust, one of the charities represented at the auction

MDL Marinas previously hosted the Whitbread in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001, so this year’s Captains’ Dinner will bring back plenty of old memories.

The date is set for Friday 1 September at the five-star Southampton Harbour Hotel at Ocean Village Marina.

Tickets cost £100 each, or £900 for a table of ten, and include drinks on arrival at 6:30pm, a three-course meal with wine, and a chance to take part in the charity auction.

• To find out more or book a spot, click here.