First all female crew gears up to complete historic round the world voyage

As the Maxi trimaran IDEC SPORT, representing The Famous Project CIC, approaches the culmination of its groundbreaking round-the-world voyage, the all-female crew is set to make history as the first team of women to successfully complete this challenging feat in a maxi multihull.

Navigating unpredictable seas and facing fierce winds, the crew – comprising Alexia Barrier (France), Dee Caffari (UK), Annemieke Bes (The Netherlands), Rebecca Gmür Hornell (Switzerland/New Zealand), Deborah Blair (UK), Molly LaPointe (USA), Támara Echegoyen (Spain), and Stacey Jackson (Australia) – have shown remarkable resilience and teamwork as they carefully negotiate their route. Currently taking shelter in the Azores archipelago, they are waiting for the harsh conditions to subside before making their final push towards Ushant, expected in the morning of Monday the 26th of January.

A Torn Main Sail 

With waves predicted to reach over 10 metres and winds exceeding 40 knots, the crew has opted for caution rather than risking a treacherous escape through the Bay of Biscay. As the crew sailed towards the heart of the Azores archipelago they were struck with intense and violent winter storms which ended up ripping the mainsail. After a four hour ordeal, with American Molly LaPointe hanging from the mast, the team were able to lower the sail and attach the second reef. Their decision reflects a commitment not only to safety but also to their goal of completing the voyage as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

“The mainsail was torn when we gybed to take in reef 1,” stated Alexia Barrier. “We spent three hours lowering the sail but only have enough left for a minimalist setup, which is ironically just right for the current conditions. We're strong, united, and determined to finish.” 

Despite suffering damage to their equipment, including the recently torn mainsail, the crew remains undeterred. “We have to fight for every kilometre covered,” added Dee Caffari. “Our experience, resilience, and teamwork will see us through to the finish line.” 

The Project is made up of a crew of 8 Female Sailors, representing 7 nationalities, all with very different sailing backgrounds and disciplines, ranging from Olympic, Offshore Racing and Record Breaking Attempts, the team includes: 

Alexia Barrier (46) - Captain - (French) 
Dee Caffari (53) - First Officer - (English)

Annemieke Bes (47) - (Dutch)

Rebecca Gmür Hornell (25) - (Swiss / New Zealand)
Deborah Blair (23) - (English)
Molly LaPointe (28) - (American / English)

Támara Echegoyen (41) - (Spain)

Stacey Jackson (41) - (Australian)
IDEC SPORT: A Mythic Boat 
Built in 2006, this maxi trimaran holds the Jules Verne Trophy round-the-world crewed record, set in 2017 by Francis Joyon. Powerful and demanding, IDEC SPORT has seen some of the greatest sailors in history sail aboard. With The Famous Project CIC, it enters a new dimension by hosting the first all-female crew to circumnavigate the globe, adding a human and committed dimension to its story.