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Friday January 9, 2026 - Day 41
The impressive run by the sailors of The Famous Project CIC since passing Cape Horn last Tuesday has slowed down somewhat since dawn. Alexia Barrier, Dee Caffari, Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmür Hornell, Deborah Blair, Molly LaPointe, Támara Echegoyen, and Stacey Jackson are now facing a first challenge typical of this part of the South Atlantic, off the coast of Uruguay, where a high-pressure system is lingering. They have begun to skirt around it to the east at a moderate speed and are trying to escape its windless center, which is also moving eastward and in their path.
Perhaps it is the desire to reach more welcoming and hospitable latitudes as quickly as possible, but the all-female crew of The Famous Project CIC has not dawdled since returning to the Atlantic, often sailing at nearly 30 knots to escape the howling 50s and roaring 40s. All talk on board now is of the upcoming circumnavigation of the Saint Helena High, which is lingering from the coast of Brazil to South Africa. But with the rise in air and water temperatures, the women on board will also be thinking about themselves, with plenty of showers and shampooing on the agenda. The next milestone on their voyage home is crossing the equator, which is planned for next Sunday.
Alexia Barrier:
"Since Cape Horn, we have immediately felt a change. The sea is gradually calming down and the movements are becoming more predictable. We are leaving a very challenging playground to enter a more structured ocean. That doesn't mean it's easy, but we are finding our bearings again, weather patterns that we know better. And above all, there is this very strong feeling that we are on our way home.
The atmosphere on board has changed. There has been a relaxation, but in a good way. Passing Cape Horn marks a powerful symbolic milestone. The pressure is still there, as is the concentration, but there are more smiles and more interaction. The crew is strong, united, and I would even say more confident. We know each other better after more than 40 days together, and that changes a lot in terms of how we sail and make decisions.
The Atlantic is an ocean that we can “read” better. We know its traps, its transitions, its calm zones, and its systems. The vision is clearer, but it remains a very subtle strategy, almost like a game of chess. We are moving forward step by step. For example, in the immediate term, we have to manage the passage of a high-pressure system. So, a big slowdown. We know there's another one behind it before we can reach the wind that will take us to the equator. So, quite a few maneuvers...
The temperatures are slowly rising, and that changes everything. Less cold, less humidity, slightly more restful nights. Life on board is becoming more comfortable, even though we are still in a very demanding environment. We can clearly feel that we are leaving the “far south,” and it's good for both body and soul.
On paper, we can expect to reach the equator from Cape Horn in 10 days. In reality, it will depend on many factors. The Atlantic can be generous... or very playful. We're not fixated on a specific number. The goal remains to sail safely, protect the boat and crew, and make the most of every opportunity. If the conditions align, we'll be there."