Alexia Barrier and the Route du Rhum 2026: the adventure is officially underway. On 1 November, Alexia will set sail from Saint-Malo aboard the ULTIM trimaran IDEC SPORT – CIC, bound for Guadeloupe. But a Route du Rhum campaign does not begin on the start line. It is built over the weeks and months leading up to it.
Welcome to Episode 1 of our series taking you behind the scenes of this new adventure.
The countdown is on
Following the Trophée Jules Verne, Alexia Barrier and The Famous Project team quickly turned their attention to their next challenge: the Route du Rhum 2026.
Bringing the team and partners back together, preparing the trimaran, planning training sessions, adapting the boat for solo sailing, working on physical and mental preparation… With just over two months to go before the start, every week counts.
For this new adventure, Alexia can rely on a team that now knows the trimaran inside out. A collective effort that will be essential to prepare her for the moment when, on 1 November, she will be alone at the helm.
Without this team effort,
Alexia Barrier
I could never even consider starting a solo race.
From a round-the-world crew to a giant of the seas, solo
Alexia Barrier is no stranger to solo sailing, having competed in the Mini Transat and the Vendée Globe. But taking sole control of an ULTIM trimaran represents a whole new challenge.
The boat is therefore gradually being transformed for solo sailing: reducing weight, reorganising life on board, relocating navigation systems and adapting the living spaces so that Alexia can keep everything she needs within easy reach.
A new chapter is beginning for The Famous Project, Alexia Barrier and IDEC SPORT.
And we will be taking you along for the journey.
Episode 1: discover the first weeks of Alexia Barrier’s preparation for the Route du Rhum 2026 aboard the IDEC SPORT – CIC trimaran.
