First training sessions for members of The Famous Project
by The Famous Project 29 Jan 04:01 AEDT
First training sessions for members of The Famous Project © Marie Cortal 
The Famous Project, launched by Alexia Barrier, aims to participate in the Jules Verne Trophy, a non-stop round-the-world sailing race with a 100% female crew.
From February 6 to 10, 2023 at the Mediterranean Training Centre (CEM) in La Grande-Motte, Alexia Barrier will gather four women sailors to start the selections for The Famous Project. Four exceptional women: the Englishwoman Dee Caffari, the Swiss Elodie-Jane Mettraux, the Irishwoman Joan Mulloy and the Swedish Helena Darvelid, who will start training.
“The objective of this training is threefold. First of all, we are going to sail in match-racing format with two coaches, François Verdier and Mike Cohen, then we will undertake a sports and physical assessment of each girl with Jean-Baptiste Wiroth, Doctor in Exercise Physiology and Founder of the WTS coach network, in order to establish a specific programme for each of us. And finally, it will allow us to work on the vision of the project, to exchange on our expectations, our desires and especially to get to know each other better”, explains Alexia.
In March, a second training course is planned at the CEM, this time on the MOD70 with Franck Citeau as coach.
As well as training at sea, the Côte d’Azur sailor also wants to train in the mountains. Alexia will be taking part in the Sea and Mountain Trophy from 23rd to 27th January in Alpe d’Huez, then from 20th to 25th February, and will be taking a high mountain course with Dee Caffari. “I find it interesting to go through difficult conditions as a team. It will allow us to discover each other in a different way. Up the mountains is just like at sea : we are stronger together.
The sporting programme:
- February 2023 – September 2024: crew selection
- February – May 2023: Training at the CEM, La Grande Motte
- June 2023: Presence in Genoa for the arrival of The Ocean Race
- July 2023: Presence in Marseille for the Test Event
- September 2023: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
- To be confirmed: The Rolex Fastnet Race and Round the British Isles record
On Wednesday 8th February, the first competitive sailing film festival in France will take place at the Les Variétés cinema in Nice. The festival presents “a selection of the latest competition sailing films exclusively for the public” with, in particular, 29 173 NM, the film by Thomas Ruyant and Molécule on the 2020 Vendée Globe, Candidates for the open sea, a film directed by Lou-Kévin Roquais on the MACIF Skipper selection and Marin & Pêcheur, directed by Théo Dolivet-David and Marin Le Roux on the preparation of Loic Escoffier for the Route du Rhum.
For this occasion, the festival has invited Alexia to talk about her races, her adventures, her joys and her life as a sailor. To book: www.tipandshaft.com/sailorz-film-festival-2023
Become a partner of The Famous Project
A planetary challenge driven by collective intelligence and performance, a project with universal values: surpassing oneself, high standards and authenticity.
This human and technological feat in the heart of the oceans aims to inspire and radiate to all worlds. The Famous Project is setting out to conquer the Jules Verne Trophy, one of the most prestigious and demanding trophies in yachting.
