All-Female Crew Nears Historic Round-the-World Sailing Record

As dawn breaks on the western coast of France, history is preparing to unfold off the shores of Ushant. The all-female crew aboard the iconic maxi trimaran IDEC SPORT, under the banner of The Famous Project CIC, is on the verge of completing one of sailing’s most revered and demanding achievements — a round-the-world voyage aboard a maxi multihull. This journey, nearing its triumphant conclusion on January 26, 2026, stands to be remembered as a defining moment in both maritime and gender equality history.

Launched from Brest, France, the expedition has not only pushed the physical and technical boundaries of high-performance ocean racing but has redefined what’s possible for women in the sport. Navigating brutal seas, unpredictable weather systems, and the relentless psychological demands of life at sea, this crew of eight international women has demonstrated unyielding resilience, unity, and a level of professionalism that rivals the best in the sport’s storied past.

Commanded by seasoned French sailor Alexia Barrier, with the formidable Dee Caffari serving as First Officer, the crew includes elite athletes from across the globe: Annemieke Bes of the Netherlands, Rebecca Gmür Hornell representing both Switzerland and New Zealand, Deborah Blair and Molly LaPointe of the UK and USA respectively, Támara Echegoyen of Spain, and Australia’s Stacey Jackson. Between them, their résumés encompass Olympic campaigns, world championships, offshore records, and groundbreaking solo voyages — a combined force of sailing excellence rarely assembled aboard a single vessel.

Their craft, IDEC SPORT, is a legend in its own right. Originally built in 2006 and known for its record-setting Jules Verne Trophy voyage in 2017 under Francis Joyon, the maxi trimaran has carried many of the sport’s most legendary sailors. With The Famous Project CIC, it now carries an entirely new legacy — one not only of speed and endurance, but of representation, empowerment, and determination.

But this journey has been far from smooth sailing. Recently, as the team approached the Azores archipelago on their final Atlantic stretch, they were met by violent winter storms and mountainous waves exceeding 10 meters. During a critical maneuver to reef the mainsail, a sudden gust ripped through the canvas, tearing the sail and demanding an emergency response. For four hours, the crew battled the elements, with American sailor Molly LaPointe ascending the mast to secure the damaged sail and rig a minimalist setup to navigate the storm’s fury.

“The mainsail was torn when we gybed to take in reef 1,” Alexia Barrier explained. “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.”

This episode encapsulates the ethos of the crew: preparation, calm under pressure, and above all, teamwork. With the Bay of Biscay’s volatile conditions looming, the crew made the strategic decision to seek shelter in the Azores, waiting for the storm system to pass before making their final push toward Ushant. Their decision to delay — prioritizing safety without sacrificing resolve — underscores the professionalism with which this mission has been carried out from day one.

“We have to fight for every kilometre covered,” added Dee Caffari. “Our experience, resilience, and teamwork will see us through to the finish line.”

This milestone voyage is not just about sailing achievement. It’s about shifting paradigms in a sport that has long been male-dominated. By assembling a diverse and elite all-female team, The Famous Project CIC is challenging entrenched norms and inspiring a new generation of women to see themselves at the helm of high-performance boats, tackling oceans, and making headlines.

The symbolism of the vessel IDEC SPORT — a machine of speed, power, and legend — being steered by a unified team of women from seven nationalities cannot be overstated. They are rewriting both the physical map of their voyage and the metaphorical boundaries of what is deemed possible in sailing and beyond.

As the crew prepares for their final approach to France, anticipation is building. Their expected arrival on Monday, January 26 will be streamed live, giving viewers across the world the chance to witness a moment in maritime history. For those who have followed their journey week by week, it’s been more than an adventure — it’s been a movement.

With every nautical mile logged, this crew has proven that talent and tenacity know no gender. Their voyage, backed by partners including CIC, Groupe IDEC, and Sopra Steria, exemplifies a forward-looking vision of inclusion, innovation, and excellence. As they near the finish line, they do so not just as sailors, but as trailblazers.

In completing this circumnavigation, these women will not only etch their names into the history of sailing but will also stand as icons of perseverance and progress. The Famous Project is more than a voyage — it’s a global statement that the helm belongs to all who have the courage to take it.