My name is Alexia Barrier, I am 41 years old, of Mediterranean origin and I live in Biot, in the Alpes-Maritimes, with my partner and my dog, Nikka.
I've always sailed (or almost always)... ever since I was three years old , thanks to my parents who owned a six-meter sailboat. At twelve, after giving up my dream career as a professional basketball player because of my height, I already knew pretty clearly what I was going to do with my life: sail around the world in a racing sailboat !
I worked hard to educate myself about the world of sailing while pursuing my studies in sports management, but I made it! And with my 250,000 miles around the world, some fifteen transatlantic races including five solo one-man races, I think I can say that I have earned my title of professional sailor.
My passions?! It's obvious , but the sea , the ocean , outdoor sports and everything that can help humanity evolve towards well - being and kindness .
- Why was the 4myplanet association created?
On June 5, 2009, I returned from a crewed transatlantic crossing. We had won the race on a magnificent 35-meter boat. Seeing the English coast, I was disgusted by the amount of waste and pollution that washed from the land into the sea. At that moment, I decided to do something to preserve "my playground," the ocean.
I initially looked for an ocean conservation organization to join, but in 2009, there weren't many… After speaking with scientists from Tara Expeditions , I decided I wanted to contribute to science. By collecting data in situ using sensors installed on my boat, I could improve oceanographic observations. I also wanted to get involved with young people , to help them achieve their dreams… And that's how I created 4myplanet in 2010 .
- What are your main responsibilities with the association?
4myplane 's main missions revolve around ocean conservation , a major challenge. This is achieved through two key areas: education and contributing to scientific research . For this second aspect, we collaborate with the UNESCO Oceanographic Commission, IFREMER, CNES, and GOOS (Global Ocean Observation System), a European ocean observation program. We are what's known as a " ship of opportunity ," one of the few to have collected data in the Southern Ocean. This in-situ data is then transmitted via satellite to contribute to a global database— accessible to all — on the ocean. This data allows for greater precision in oceanographic observations and thus enables better anticipation of potential natural disasters.
As for the educational program , 4myplanet takes several thousand children around the world on each of my races. We produce, in particular, a freely accessible educational kit for teachers , educators , and young people . The idea is to address various subjects in a fun way , such as sailing, the marine ecosystem, geography, and environmental issues, to inspire them to preserve the ocean's resources. It's also an opportunity to broaden their horizons, help them envision their adult lives, and encourage them to pursue their childhood dreams . I want to convey the message that " in life, anything is possible " and that they can become the heroes of their own lives by taking care of their loved ones, themselves, and the planet. I would like to give them the energy and hope to achieve their goals because these are the values that have driven me to become who I am today!
- What is your best memory with the association?
There are so many…
Even after my first attempt at a solo round-the-world trip in 2010, I had brought back a million data points to scientists, and in talking with them I felt their gratitude and the usefulness of our action with 4myplanet for ocean observation.
So when I took the kids from a township sailing in Cape Town for a day, it was fantastic and a great experience !
And more recently, the days spent with the " Parcours de Femmes " association, thanks to the Cannes Foundation. Moments of sharing with women trying to regain confidence and find their bearings. Thanks to the workshops we set up, they experienced a real moment of comfort , which I think has given them a boost for a few months and hopefully for the long term.
- Do you have any future plans for the association?
With my sailboat, which has competed in the Vendée Globe, we organize "eco-travels" in the Mediterranean—that is, trips—for business or sporting holidays—for people who have decided not to fly. We sail as fast as a ferry, but under sail. We also take the opportunity to transport non-perishable goods for local artisans.
This sailboat is also used to take disadvantaged populations sailing . Recently, we launched the "LA CROISIÈRE DES VALLÉES" project with the Lenval Foundation and "TOUS À BORD" with the Cannes Foundation, always with this aim of restoring confidence in the elements and in the strong values of the association: sharing and caring for one another. Our motto: LOVE DARE SHARE.
Next year, we want to meet with children who experienced the explosions at the port of Beirut in 2020 and set up a project with them around the sea and navigation .
In 2023, I plan to do the "CAPE TO RIO" race with children from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the townships of Cape Town.
And coming up in 2024, a tour of French ports, where we will meet disadvantaged people and take them sailing.
Not to mention the creation of an experiential container thanks to our partners Orange Event and the Artificial Intelligence House. Children would be immersed in the world of oceanography by stepping into the shoes of an oceanographic researcher, for example – a fantastic project.
- What do you think of Noliju?
This brand perfectly matches my lifestyle ; I often run from sports training to a professional meeting to find new sponsors! And I feel aligned with the brand 's values : respect for people through local work and the use of bio- sourced materials .
- Why partner with Noliju?
For their eco - friendly approach , firstly. And because this brand was born near my home, in the Alpes-Maritimes region – long live local partnerships !
But we also share the same vision of women's integration into the world through the various actions we undertake. NO LIMIT JUST YOU!
- Do you have any icons that inspire you on a daily basis?
Right now, two phrases are on my mind: "LESS IS MORE" and "SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL." It's a way of seeing our scope of action on a smaller scale, right around us. It's also a way to appreciate the true wealth that's within reach, whether in terms of human resources , activities , ideas , collaborations , and so on .
Many thanks to Alexia Barrier who did us the honor of taking the time to answer our questions in the middle of the sea!
