Junella King

Junella was spoilt for choice when it came to deciding just what she was going to aim for this year after being invited to try out for the Junior America’s Cup in 2022. Junella had already had dealings with Maiden as far back as 2019 after first getting into sailing as a 15 year old in Antigua at the National Academy there. The 22 year old took to the sport almost immediately and was invited to do a leg with Maiden four years ago as an apprentice (or Milebuilder as they are called) only for the pandemic to do as it did to many lives and interrupt best-laid plans. Junella joined Maiden when things began to open up again and was part of the World Tour in 2021. Junella joined the boat in Dubai as an apprentice but such is her talent and application that she has quickly managed to work her way up to full crew. The invitation to trial for the junior America’s Cup was, of course, a wonderful opportunity but Junella’s heart is set on the big boat ocean experience. Their loss is Maiden’s gain. Junella has spent time with Doyle Sails in Southampton extending her knowledge and operation of that business, quickly getting the hang of all the intricacies and will be in charge of sails on Maiden for the OGR. As with so many, Maiden has fired her imagination. “I admire the idea of sailing with all females and the comfort that it brings, helping to make the world a better and more equal place.”