Super Yacht Scientific Quest for Solo Sailor
With the aim of collecting scientific data to help research on oceans as she sails solo around the world, Alexia Barrier, the 30-year old navigator, embarked today (11 January 2010) on her circumnavigation onboard the 60-footer 4myPlanet.
She will be making stops in Cape Town, Sydney, Auckland, Rio de Janeiro, New York before returning to Monaco by end June 2010.
The christening of her boat by Princess Stephanie took place in Monaco on Saturday 9th January, while HSH Prince Albert II was on hand today for her departure from the harbour outside the Yacht Club de Monaco on Monday 11th.
Superyacht brokers Camper & Nicholsons International, are among the partners sponsoring the scientific adventure. Others include Wally Yachts, Only Yacht Insurance, the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Albert II Foundation, jewelry and designer Axel Mees.
Alexia’s journey is part of a programme supported by the French oceanic institute Ifremer, in collaboration with the Monaco Musée Océanographique and the International Seakeepers Society.
Her aim is to help bring exposure to the need for improved behaviour when it comes to the preservation of the environment and the oceans, with a series of educational conferences at every stop and after her return to Monaco – before her preparation for the 2012 Vendée Globe Challenge. http://www.4myplanet.eu