Offshore Sailing Projects
2023 - Race for science - Verder
In 2023, Alicia took part in the Race for Science – Verder project as co-skipper and project manager sailing alongside French skipper and biologist Edouard Golbery during the Transat Paprec—a mixed double-handed transatlantic race aboard a Figaro BENETEAU 3. The project was sponsored by Verder, a company committed to environmental innovation and sustainability, and aimed to combine elite offshore racing with scientific research to raise awareness about marine biodiversity and actively contribute to ocean science.
In collaboration with Vigilife and the Foundation of the University of Montpellier, we supported a scientific initiative to map marine biodiversity along the French and European coastline using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. We began our sampling work in Concarneau before the Atlantic crossing and continued upon arrival in Saint Barthélemy, where we conducted 10 samples across the island’s coastline and marinas.
We extended the project during the Tour de France à la Voile, collecting two samples per port, and continued through the Solitaire du Figaro, with a key sampling stop in Kinsale, Ireland, as well as the Nastro Rosa Veloce, sampling at the start in Venice and finish in Genoa.
Sampling was performed using a peristaltic pump, drawing seawater from a depth of 5 meters, with each sample lasting 30 minutes at a controlled speed of 2 knots. The samples were then shipped to a partner laboratory, where they were analyzed to produce a complete inventory of species detected in each location. Results included both expected and surprising findings, with frequent DNA traces of humans, dogs, and salmon—highlighting the pervasive impact of human activity on marine ecosystems.
This mission aligned deeply with my values—sustainability, education, and the belief that offshore racing can be a powerful vessel for environmental advocacy and scientific contribution.
2024- Wingfoil challange
Canaries-Dakhla
In 2023, alongside French skipper and biologist Edouard Golbery, I served as co-project manager for a bespoke Wingfoil Challenge—a private endurance expedition in which our client successfully wingfoiled solo from the Canary Islands to Dakhla, Morocco. This personal adventure spanned over 1,000 kilometers of open Atlantic water, relying entirely on wind power and physical stamina.
Together, Edouard and I managed the full scope of the project, including logistics, routing, safety coordination, equipment support, and weather analysis. We ensured optimal launch windows, organized remote tracking and marine support, and designed contingency plans for a safe and successful crossing.
The journey began in the Canary Islands, known for consistent trade winds, and concluded in Dakhla, a world-renowned wingfoiling destination. The challenge tested not only the client’s physical and mental endurance but also the precision of our planning and ability to adapt to changing sea and wind conditions.
This project reflected our shared expertise in managing high-performance, environmentally conscious expeditions—and showcased how adventure, athleticism, and professional expedition planning can come together to achieve a unique and meaningful goal on the ocean.
