The Famous Project: From MOD70 to Maxi-Trimaran
by The Famous Project 1 Jun 2024 03:13 NZST
Maxi trimaran IDEC SPORT launch © Jean-Marie Liot / The Famous Project
Alongside its partners IDEC Group, CIC, Wipro, and Richard Mille, the team of The Famous Project launched the Maxi trimaran IDEC SPORT today, Friday, May 31, in Vannes, in front of the Multiplast shipyard, which constructed the giant trimaran in 2006.
After five months of work, the legendary sailboat, triple winner of the Route du Rhum and holder of the Jules Verne Trophy since 2017, returned to its natural element, its mast, and its sails, and has rejoined its home port of La Trinité-sur-Mer. Captain Alexia Barrier, highly active during the work aboard the MOD70, will now be able to gradually take command of the 31.50-meter giant. A busy summer lies ahead, which Alexia and her team will use to fine-tune the boat while continuing the delicate selection of the crew set to attempt the Jules Verne Trophy record in 2025.
Thus, a new chapter begins for Alexia Barrier, who will now physically take the helm of her ultimate dream: an attempt against the Jules Verne Trophy record with an all-female crew. She has chosen the boat that has held the title since 2017, the Maxi trimaran IDECSPORT, which Francis Joyon and only five crew members led to the pinnacle of ocean records, achieving a time that is now legendary: 40 days, 23 hours, and30 minutes to sail around the planet via the three major capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn). The sailboat, launched in June 2006 under the colors of Groupama, greatly deserved a thorough and detailed inspection.
From left to right: Laurent Metral, CIC Director of Human Resources and Communications, Dee Caffari, Marie Riou, Alexia Barrier, Elodie Jane Mettraux, Patrice Lafargue, CIC Group Chairman, Deborah Blair, Joan Mulloy, Pamela Lee, Marie Tabarly - photo © Jean-Marie Liot / The Famous Project
"We stripped the boat completely bare," explains Alexia. "Hulls, bulkheads, arms, and mast were meticulously inspected for the slightest weakness or signs of aging. All hardware, standing and running rigging were disassembled and checked in the finest detail," adds Eric Lamy, a former member of the Groupama Sailing Team, who knows the ship perfectly and led the work with eight people. "Everything that needed to be changed was replaced within our budget limits," continues the sailor from Antibes. "With its new design by Jean-Baptiste Epron, the boat seems to have regained a second youth."
A new era opens for The Famous Project team and Alexia. Taming the giant and discovering its keys and secrets for her female crew will take time and many sails. Finding the right profiles to accompany her is still the subject of a meticulous recruitment campaign that is not yet complete. "There is no shortage of female talent in sailing, "Alexia insists. "IDEC SPORT is open to the world and to all female sailors who dare to dream. Our project is NO Limit!"
The Partners
Daniel Baal, Chairman of the CIC: "When we signed up alongside Alexia Barrier as a founding partner of The Famous Project, the team consisted of just a handful of professionals committed to this adventure and a training boat. Today's launch of the IDEC SPORT trimaran marks an important milestone which will enable this all-female crew to tackle the legendary Jules Verne Trophy and prepare for a unique sporting challenge."
Patrice Lafargue, Chairman of the IDEC Group: "We are delighted that the history of the maxi-trimaran IDEC SPORT, this legendary boat, can continue with this new 100% women's Jules Verne Trophy challenge, led by Alexia Barrier. This exceptional human adventure, rich in values such as surpassing oneself, passion, solidarity and team spirit, perfectly embodies the principles and aspirations of the IDEC Group. By supporting this daring project, we are reaffirming our commitment to excellence and innovation, while promoting initiatives that push back the boundaries and inspire with their boldness, determination and resilience. This challenge is not only a race against time, but also a true celebration of the human and sporting values that drive us every day. It's a unique opportunity to show our support for women in extreme sports and to promote equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, fundamental values that are at the heart of our company. On the road."
Wipro and Richard Mille join The Famous Project teamand its co-partners in celebrating this important milestone in the preparationof the Jules Verne Trophy.