Richard Mille: Empowering women with Alexia Barrier’s The Famous Project
Jul 16, 2024
Richard Mille partners with world-renowned sailor Alexia Barrier’s The Famous Project, crafting a legacy that will inspire generations of women to pursue their passions and dreams
Richard Mille is renowned for its ability to draw inspiration from diverse fields beyond traditional watchmaking, consistently combining cutting-edge technologies and unconventional materials to push the boundaries of horology. From Formula 1 racing to aeronautics and sailing, the brand has a storied history of taking innovative concepts and adapting them for exceptional timepiece creations.
A prime example is the brand’s use of TPT (Thin Ply Technology), a composite material that was first pioneered in the marine industry before Richard Mille recognised its transformative potential for watchmaking. The brand’s passion for sailing extends beyond innovative materials, however, as showcased through a number of elite events. The brand has been an active partner of Les Voiles de St. Barth since the event was created in 2010 and launched the Richard Mille Cup, in partnership with the International Maxi Association, in 2023.
This year, a partnership with The Famous Project solidifies the brand’s position as a steadfast supporter of extraordinary achievements as well as female empowerment, seamlessly blending Richard Mille’s core identity with the shared values of innovation, exploration and the limitless potential of the human endeavour.
Led by the dynamic and formidable Alexia Barrier, The Famous Project aims to be the first all-female team to circumnavigate the globe, without stopping and without support, for the next Jules Verne Trophy. The ultimate platform for a wider programme to promote women in sailing, and an inspiration for women and girls everywhere to pursue their passions and dreams, is bringing together an international crew of eight female sailors on the 32- metre maxi-trimaran Ultime Idec Sport, the current holder of the Jules Verne Trophy (with an incredible time of 40 days, 30 minutes and 30 seconds) and three-time winner of the Route du Rhum.
Sailing with her family since the age of 12 in the South of France, Barrier was ranked fourth in the world in match racing before taking up solo ocean racing at 25. Known for combining sailing with education and environmental protection, she has not only collected vital data on the state of the world’s most remote ocean areas but has also raised awareness among 20,000 young people about how to better protect our planet’s waters.
Barrier has already covered more than 200,000 nautical miles, including the Transat ag2r, the Tour de France à la Voile, the IMOCA Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre and the prestigious Vendée Globe race, but it has always been her dream to follow in the footsteps of Bruno Peyron, three-time winner of the Jules Verne Trophy. She is committed to scientific research initiatives linked to the project and is determined to leave a positive legacy in sport for women and the planet. For this trailblazing feat, Barrier is joined by seven female “rock stars” of the sailing world – Dee Caffari, Helena Darvelid, Sara Hastreiter, Elodie Jane Mettraux, Joan Mulloy, Marie Riou and Marie Tabarly – with a combined record of 12 around-the-world races, 54 Transatlantic crossings, three Transpacific crossings, 28 world records and 16 world championships.
In championing Barrier and her crew’s pioneering drive and unwavering determination to push the boundaries of seafaring, Richard Mille also spotlights female leadership and inspires others to follow the lead of these trailblazing women. Not only do the women of The Famous Project hope to establish a female reference time on this prestigious sailing world tour, but also to break the current record. “We want to make the women of the planet ‘Famous’,” Barrier says. “We want to shine a light on those who dare, and to inspire others who want to realise their dreams and ambitions.”
For its part, Richard Mille aims to reaffirm its position at the forefront of elite athletics and exploration, while also advocating for the achievements of extraordinary women pushing the limits of what is possible on the open ocean. Let the adventure begin.
