Richard Mille is thrilled to announce a new high-performance challenge on the high seas. The brand is backing The Famous Project, initiated by world-renowned sailor Alexia Barrier. Beyond its athletic aspect, this project is also pushing the boundaries of seafaring achievements.
The Famous Project aims to create history by forming the first all-female team to attempt a non-stop circumnavigation on a 32-meter maxi-trimaran. This bold endeavor will not only set the first women’s record for the Jules Verne Trophy but also strives to beat the current world speed record.
Richard Mille, known for its involvement in high-performance sports such as Formula 1 with McLaren and Ferrari, endurance sports with the Richard Mille Racing Team, and collaborations in tennis and golf, is now venturing into the world of sailing with this extraordinary project. The brand’s mission is to drive progress in technical achievements and attitudes.
The Famous Project is assembling an international crew of ten bold female sailors on a maxi-trimaran, aiming to circumnavigate the globe without stopping or external support. Alexia Barrier, a skipper with over 20 years of experience, including 18 transatlantic voyages and a finish in the 2020 Vendée Globe, leads this ambitious team.
To achieve their goal, the team will sail the Ultim Trimaran IDEC SPORT, the fastest maxi-trimaran in the world, which set the current Jules Verne Trophy record in 2017 with Francis Joyon.
“This was my dream boat for this ambitious project which, outside of the sporting aspect, intends to give women the same tools as men to win such demanding races. The Famous Project is therefore a societal project that perfectly sums up our mantras: dare, dream, share,” says Alexia Barrier.
For Richard Mille, supporting such causes is a core principle. The brand, familiar with the sailing world through past partnerships like the Voiles de Saint-Barth and its own Richard Mille Cup regatta, is now extending its commitment to adventure on the water.
“Richard Mille is taking a new step in its extraordinary commitments to adventure, combining excellence, technology, and performance – the three cornerstones of the brand. Daring, setting challenges, and taking risks: The Famous Project lets us write a new page in our history of commitments to women. Alexia Barrier’s clear desire to outdo herself truly won us over,” says Amanda Mille, Brand & Partnerships Director.
The immediate challenge is to train the crew, who have never sailed a ship like the Ultim Trimaran. “We need to forget what we know and start from scratch – this is the challenge ahead,” explains Alexia Barrier.
Richard Mille proudly supports this bold and brave initiative, which is set to make waves in the sailing world. The Famous Project embodies the disruptive vision of adventure that has guided Richard Mille for over 20 years, representing a new iteration of the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
