Teen photographer from Saint John gets surprise assignment on world-famous Maiden

Eighteen-year-old Aren Hemmings deliberate to spend the summer time within the Previous North Finish of Saint John, finding out pictures and media advertising and marketing on the O.N.E. Future program on the Nick Nicolle Neighborhood Centre. 

However when alternative knocks — plans typically have to alter. Quick. 

Hemmings was unexpectedly invited to work for 2 weeks on Maiden, a 58-foot ocean racing yacht. The vessel is touring the world selling ladies’ training and motivating girls to enter careers in S.T.E.A.M.: science, know-how, engineering, artwork, and math. 

Maiden made headlines world wide in 1989-1990, when it broke information with the primary all-woman crew to compete within the Whitbread Around the World Race. Bought by former skipper Tracy Edwards and refitted in 2017, Maiden was relaunched as an academic vessel.

In January, the boat embarked from Dubai on a three-year, 90,000 nautical mile journey sponsored by DP World. 

“There’s navigation, which is maths. Science has loads to do with how you place sails up, how the wind angles work, all of these different issues. By crusing, we will display in a enjoyable manner, in an out-of-the-classroom type of manner, how all of those nonetheless expertise can be utilized,” Edwards mentioned.

The prospect to be Maiden’s on-board photographer and reporter is a serious alternative for Hemmings, a 2021 Saint John Excessive Faculty graduate who describes pictures as her “facet hustle.” 

“I knew that I used to be going to take some pictures jobs throughout the summer time – however I assumed that will be graduations and perhaps a marriage or two.

 I didn’t anticipate this. To be sincere, I used to be so completely happy, I cried.”

The chance got here when the Maiden Issue crew contacted Port Saint John’s Paula Copeland, the vice-president of engagement and sustainability, asking if she knew of any certified feminine photographers.

Copeland requested Aren’s uncle, Saint John filmmaker and avid sailor Greg Hemmings — who realized his niece, who has greater than pictures expertise, could be an excellent match. 

“Once I was 16, I took the grownup Be taught to Sail program on the Royal Kennebecasis Yacht Membership with Gary Sullivan,” Aren mentioned. “We obtained a small daysailer for me and my sister’s birthday two summers in the past, which was wonderful. In order that was good timing.”

“I really helpful Aren to Maiden, particularly as soon as I realized of her personal connection to crusing,” mentioned Copeland. 

“I actually do decide individuals by how they reply,” mentioned Edwards. “I emailed her, and he or she got here again with ‘sure — when would you like me?’ That was the angle. She actually dropped all the things and we flew her to New York.”

Lower than three weeks after the primary e-mail, Hemmings was on a 5 a.m. flight to the U.S. She instantly began documenting the two-week leg of the journey, which included stops in Brooklyn, Rye, and Lengthy Island. 

The largest challenges, she mentioned, have been often spotty web entry — and different distinctive situations that come up when your office is the Atlantic ocean. 

“Yesterday once we have been crusing, I had all my gear out on my mattress: I did not suppose something of it. However then we have been heeling – and the skipper got here down and mentioned ‘I believe you’ll want to see your gear down there.’

“I used to be like, ‘Oh, no, my digital camera!'” she mentioned. Luckily, “it was all OK — just a bit bit strewn about.”

“There’s plenty of shifting elements.  You could have to pay attention to your environment, and when others need assistance, it’s a must to transfer shortly, ” she mentioned.

Edwards had the prospect to satisfy Hemmings in-person at a Maiden occasion with Hudson River Neighborhood Crusing.

“She’s truly nonetheless in the mean time in Lengthy Island, taking pictures and getting on actually, very well with the crew,” Edwards mentioned.

“We will certainly be inviting her again sooner or later.”

Energy of claiming ‘sure’ 

Extra New Brunswickers can have the prospect to go to and be taught from Maiden in early August, when she stops at Port Saint John.

Open-boat days, academic occasions, a gala at Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, a screening of the award-winning 2018 documentary Maiden on the Space 506 Container village, and a Q& A with Tracy Edwards are all within the works. A full schedule can be launched within the coming weeks, mentioned Copeland.

“We’re excited for our neighborhood to get pleasure from Maiden whereas she is in port and likewise increase consciousness and funds for his or her essential reason behind selling ladies training world wide.”

For Hemmings, engaged on Maiden has impressed her to push the limits when contemplating her personal future profession — and taught her that when the correct likelihood comes up, it pays to go all-in. 

“You need not take issues so critically. Issues change shortly, and that is OK,” she mentioned. 

“When the chance comes, it’s a must to say sure to it.”