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19 September 2025

Alexia Barrier, Pioneer of Change

From the Vendée Globe to the Jules Verne Trophy, the journey of a sailor ready to rewrite history.

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A New Chapter

With Making Waves, SLAM tells the stories of women who are changing the world of sailing, opening new routes and rewriting the rules of the game. 

 

After the first three episodes dedicated to the RS21 Magique et Terrible team, we now meet the protagonists of The Famous Project and ocean sailing. New voices, new experiences, a single thread running through them all: the strength to sail against the wind. 

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

Alexia, a Visionary Skipper

With 18 Atlantic crossings and the 2020 Vendée Globe behind her, Alexia Barrier is the founder of The Famous Project, the first all-female crew to aim for the Jules Verne Trophy, sailing around the world non-stop in less than 40 days. Her goal is clear: to prove that a women’s crew can rewrite history. 

 

An explorer of the world and of herself, Alexia believes in the power of action and, with kindness as her compass, she sails to open the way for other women. 

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I define myself as a passionate explorer: of the ocean, of others, of myself.

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The Answer in the Ocean

Some face the sea to compete, and some, like her, cross it to inspire change. Alexia learned the meaning of humility among the waves of Antibes, where she first discovered the sea. For her, sailing is not just a sport, but a way to know oneself and others: 

 

‘It strips you bare. It forces you to be present, resilient, intuitive. Out there, you cannot hide.’ 

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Through sailing she learned to listen to her instincts, to turn vulnerability into strength and to embrace empathy. According to her, 'authentic leadership is trust, the courage to show up even when you are afraid.’ 

 

The dream she now carries forward with her companions from The Famous Project is also a battle to break down walls and prejudices, and to be taken seriously.

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Building something that had never been done before was incredibly tough. It’s not just about sailing, it’s about breaking down barriers in people’s minds.

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SLAM

Gratitude as a Strength

Even in the most difficult moments, Alexia clings to the deeper reasons that drive her: inspiring young women sailors, living the ocean and sharing it with her team. Small rituals also give her strength before every start: 

 

‘Before every regatta, I close my eyes, breathe, and say thank you. Gratitude is my anchor.’ 

 

Among her inspirations are Florence Arthaud – a woman who managed to ‘dominate’ the ocean – as well as her father, her team, and the sea itself, a great teacher of life. 

A Future of Change

She has no doubts about the legacy she wants to leave behind: 

 

‘A wave that lifts. A wake wide enough for other women to sail in. I want to be remembered not only for what I did, but for what I ignited in others.’ 

 

With determination, vision, and heart, Alexia continues to sail towards the impossible. To tell every woman: here, there is space for you too. 

SLAM SLAM
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They told me I was dreaming too big. But I never stopped. 

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The Famous Project and the Jules Verne Trophy

Born from Alexia’s dream, The Famous Project is preparing to take on the 'Everest of the seas': the Jules Verne Trophy, inspired by the legendary journey of Phileas Fogg. From the Créac’h lighthouse in Brittany to Lizard Point in England: a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe and an extreme challenge. In over thirty years of history, there have been 27 attempts and only 9 successes. 

 

In 2025, it will be the very first time for an all-female crew. A sporting achievement and a powerful act with cultural significance. SLAM is at their side in this adventure, to write a page of history that looks to the future. 

Dress like Alexia and her The Famous Project teammates

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