The Famous Project: first all-female crew sails non-stop around the world
57 days, 22 hours, and 20 minutes – this is how long it took the eight-woman crew of The Famous Project to sail non-stop around the world. The team crossed the finish line between Ushant and the Lizard on Monday, January 26, 2026, making history in offshore racing. This was the first successful all-female circumnavigation for the Jules Verne Trophy, following the failed attempt of Tracy Edwards’ Royal & Sun Alliance in 1998.
In brief
The eight-woman crew of The Famous Project sailed non-stop around the world in 57 days, 22 hours and 20 minutes, crossing the finish line between Ushant and Lizard on Monday 26 January 2026. The voyage on the trimaran IDEC Sport was led by Alexia Barrier and Dee Caffari, and the crew battled damage to the starboard foil and storm Ingrid with winds of up to 45 knots, which tore the mainsail. A day earlier, the Jules Verne Trophy record was broken by Thomas Coville and the Sodebo Ultim crew, with a time of 40 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes.
International crew and legendary trimaran
The expedition was led by experienced sailors Alexia Barrier, a former Vendée Globe competitor, and British co-skipper Dee Caffari MBE, alongside international crew members Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmür Hornell, Deborah Blair, Molly LaPointe, Támara Echegoyen, and Stacey Jackson.
The team sailed aboard the IDEC Sport, a legendary trimaran and former Jules Verne Trophy record holder from 2017. Every mile sailed was a test of skill, courage, and mental resilience.
– It is not the critic who counts, but the woman in the arena, who strives valiantly and never gives up, said Dee Caffari, quoting Theodore Roosevelt.
Resilience in extreme conditions
The journey was far from easy. Early steering and halyard issues were followed by mid-ocean entanglement with fishing gear, damaging the starboard foil. The final weeks brought the greatest challenge: Storm Ingrid with 45-knot gusts tore their mainsail in half. The crew refused to retire and sought temporary shelter only to continue to the finish, showing extraordinary perseverance and teamwork.
– This was a test not only of sailing skills but of character. Every day demanded full focus and cooperation, recalls Alexia Barrier.
Symbolic achievement and inspiration
The Famous Project proves that women in offshore sailing can compete at the highest level. Beyond the record, the mission sends a powerful message to the sailing world: determination, preparation, and collaboration can overcome extreme challenges.
Coincidentally, the Jules Verne Trophy record was broken the day before by Thomas Coville and his Sodebo Ultim crew, finishing in 40 days, 10 hours, and 45 minutes. While slower, the all-female achievement is historic and inspirational for future generations of sailors.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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