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.

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29 january 2026   |   14:31   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. The Famous Project CIC

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.

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The Famous Project Jules Verne Trophy offshore racing rekordy żeglarskie rejs non-stop dookoła świata

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