"It is rather nice to look back at your life and say that you did something exceptional. Don't put your dreams on hold like millions of people who regret never having seized their chance when it presented itself. Think Big and become someone exceptional."

                                                                                          Sir Robin Knox Johnston

This inspiring advice from a fellow sailor has certainly been taken as a mantra by Alexia Barrier. From first stepping on a boat at three years of age, to solo transatlantic sailing at twenty five, Alexia has risen to all the challenges the sea and elements have thrown her.

Now, before the Vendee Globe in 2010, Alexia is embarking on a solo round the world trip to further the advances of science. Marrying her two passions of sailing and preserving the planet, she leaves in December on a fact-finding mission.

Her 4MyPlanet project is primarily to collect data from the water's surface and the atmosphere to further research on climate and oceanographic changes. Her eco-friendly yacht will reinforce her concerns for the environment. The 60 ft boat, Proform, formerly belonging to Catherine Chabaud has an electric engine and full cell battery and  is fully equipped with scientific instruments and communication system.

The anticipated journey of four to five months will include stopovers in Cape Town, Sydney/Auckland, Rio de Janeiro and New York before returning to Monaco. Following her journey and tales of derring do will be schoolchildren from all over. Alexia is particularly keen to record and include youngsters, to raise their awareness of the fragility of the planet.

The Riviera Woman is planning to follow the journey too and to add support to what is an incredible voyage of discovery.

We take this opportunity of wishing Alexia every success and safe passage. Go Girl!

www.alexiabarrier.com

www.4myplanet.eu

To sail around the world for Scientific community Alexia choose a Safe and fast historical 60', Designed by Marc Lombard. Previously used by Marc Thiercelin as Proform she is the perfect tool for her dicovery passage.