Alexia Barrier / The Famous Project CIC
The Famous Project CIC set off from Brest on 29 November with a 100% female crew, led by Alexia Barrier, aboard the maxi trimaran IDEC SPORT. From the very first days, the attempt established a fast and sustained pace across the Atlantic.
The crew took 8 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes to reach the Equator, confirming a strong and well-controlled start to their round-the-world attempt.
Cape of Good Hope: a first major strategic decision
As they approached the Cape of Good Hope, the crew faced a decisive routing choice. With a very active low-pressure system to the south, bringing winds in excess of 60 knots, the sailors and their routing team opted for a more northerly, conservative route.
This option allowed them to limit wave height, reduce stress on the boat and gradually enter Southern Ocean conditions, while keeping a close watch on the Agulhas Current, which can become particularly dangerous when opposed by strong winds.
After 17 days, 2 hours and 20 minutes of sailing from Ouessant, The Famous Project CIC rounded the Cape of Good Hope, fully entering the Southern Ocean.
From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific
On 24 December, the crew passed Cape Leeuwin, maintaining a solid trajectory despite demanding conditions.
In the Pacific Ocean, sailing became especially challenging. Winds were stronger and highly unstable, with gusts reaching 50 knots, combined with a constant cross sea. Waves, often over 5 metres, powerful and poorly organised, continually shook the trimaran, requiring constant vigilance, frequent sail reductions, re-acceleration and careful anticipation.
Despite these conditions, the crossing remained fast, including 48 hours of severe weather, marked by an extremely rough sea state and waves exceeding 8 metres, with gusts above 50 knots.
Cape Horn and the Atlantic climb north
At 15:14 on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, the maxi trimaran IDEC SPORT of The Famous Project CIC, led by its international crew including Alexia Barrier, Dee Caffari, Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmür-Hornell and Deborah, rounded Cape Horn, marking the start of the final major leg of the round-the-world voyage.
The climb back up the North Atlantic proved particularly difficult, with a succession of winter low-pressure systems. In the final miles towards Brest, the crew suffered a major setback: the mainsail tore in two and became unusable, forcing the boat to continue in a significantly reduced configuration.
Despite this damage and still demanding conditions, The Famous Project CIC continues its route towards Brittany. Arrival in Brest is expected on Monday 26 January.