Imagine setting sail on a daring round-the-world voyage, only to have your main source of power—your mainsail—ripped away mid-journey. That’s the harsh reality facing The Famous Project CIC crew, who are now forced to navigate treacherous seas without their primary sail. But here’s where it gets even more gripping: this isn’t the first time their mainsail has failed them. Just yesterday, during a similar gybe maneuver near Terceira Island in the Azores, the sail tore in the middle, forcing the crew to lower it to the second reef. They had planned to push through to Ushant and the finish line in this compromised state, braving the stormy conditions over the remaining 1,000 miles. Alas, fate had other plans.
Now, with the mainsail completely out of commission, Alexia Barrier and her crew are left to rely solely on their wing mast (a mere 30 square meters) and headsails. Through the night, they executed a series of daring gybes, rounding Ponta Delgada Island this morning and leaving the Azores behind as they press on toward the Iberian Peninsula. But this is the part most people miss: the crew has already endured 55 days at sea, and the conditions ahead are anything but forgiving. Winds exceeding 35 knots are strengthening, and waves towering over 6 meters are rolling in from the northwest, set to grow even larger in the next 24 hours.
Despite the odds, the crew’s determination remains unshaken. Alexia, Dee Caffari, Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmür Hornell, Deborah Blair, Molly LaPointe, Támara Echegoyen, and Stacey Jackson are pushing forward at a steady pace, propelled by their single mast and headsail. They’re expected to reach Ushant and complete their historic voyage by next Monday evening or Tuesday morning. But here’s the controversial question: Is it worth risking it all to finish a race when the elements seem so fiercely against you?
Alexia Barrier shared her perspective as the day broke: ‘We haven’t seen the sea yet, and I think that’s better for getting started. We’re moving at an average speed of over 10 knots with just 30 square meters of sail area. We plan to unfurl the J3 staysail around 11 a.m., once the worst of the sea has passed. Our goal is to stay above 10 knots. Christian Dumard has provided us with a special polar route, tailored for sailing without a mainsail. We’ll keep everyone updated on our progress, but we’re staying cautious, of course.’
This isn’t just a story of adversity—it’s a testament to human resilience and the unyielding spirit of exploration. But what do you think? Is this a heroic endeavor or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For those eager to follow their journey, you can track the boat’s progress through these links:
- The Famous Project CIC Boat Tracker
- IDEC Sport Boat Tracker
- The Famous Project CIC Website
