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No barriers as Alexia's eco-yacht project finishes in style
2010-06-18 13:29
Yachtswoman's five month solo voyage to form part of scientific research project comes to an end
On Monday 11 January at noon the blue and white yacht '4myplanet', captained by international yachtswoman Alexia Barrier, slipped out of Port Hercule to embark on a historic solo voyage. Alexia was setting off for her five-month circumnavigation of the globe which focused on scientific research, new technologies and climate issues.
Today at 2.30pm, she returns to Monaco, where it all began. As a good omen, she reports on her blog that yesterday, just past Gibraltar, she witnessed an extraordinary event: the birth of a pilot whale!
The project has been supported by a number of key institutions from Monaco and the world of yachting. The idea was to prove that a sailing yacht is now capable of navigating with zero production of CO². Alexia undertook not to take on board any fossil-based form of energy throughout her 110-day voyage.
During the voyage, her yacht, equipped with the latest instruments, transmitted data directly to institutions such as CNRS, Ifremer, the WWF and the Fondation Albert II, who will use the results to help preserve the marine environment.
Well known in the yachting world, Alexia opened last year's Boat Show in Paris. She is also a member of the Yacht Club Butte Montmartre and the Yacht Club Atlantique - and it goes without saying that the Yacht Club de Monaco has been her principal partner in this round-the-world expedition.
Her legendary yacht '4myplanet' is a 60' IMOCA-class (International Monohull Open Class Association) sailing vessel which was previously captained by Philippe Poupon, Bertrand Debroc Mike Dorchester, and Philippe Monnet. After its world tour it will become part of a project for training the ecologically aware sailors of tomorrow. The craft is also due to appear in its role as an example of sustainable development in sailing, in the prestigious Route du Rhum 2011 and the Vendee Globe 2012.
During stopovers in Cape Town, Auckland, Rio and New York, Alexia's yacht was the centre of a 'yachting school" to raise awareness for youngsters, and Monegasque schoolchildren have been able to participate online in the virtual regatta on Alexia's website www.4myplanet.eu
More details are available at Alexia's blog http://www.4myplanet.eu