The first difficulty of the Great South that affected Alexia Barrier is now behind her. It is time to catch her breath before the next one scheduled for tomorrow arrives!
By engaging in the Vendée Globe, one expects to experience magical moments both mentally and physically. And the least that can be said is that the Azurean is well-served: “it is an absolutely exceptional adventure. The Great South is something much talked about and fascinating. For me, it is quite difficult and I haven’t really mastered it yet. I find the conditions really tough, so it’s a big, big challenge to be there with my old boat. Moreover, it’s a chance to sail around the world and realize that life without humans around results in more birds than back home. The fewer humans, the more animals, which makes you think about the condition of the planet and the state of the ocean. I think about it every day and tell myself that when I return, I will have to double my efforts to take better care of the ocean, which is so important for us.”
Once the difficulties have passed, it is important to find time to recharge with the little gestures that are the result of the technical teams’ prior work. “I set up my living area in my food bags. I discover little notes, gestures of care, or small surprises daily. So when there are encouraging notes, I hang them up like the blue and pink post-its behind me. Since entering the Great South, I prepared 50 photos, thinking it would be tough, and drawing a photo each day would at least bring me a smile for a few minutes. These are photos of loved ones or boats I’ve sailed on. There’s my first boat, my mini, also more artistic photos, or a photo of SOS Mediterranee, all kinds of photos. (…) I think I will have exited the Great South before finishing the 50-pack,” hopes Alexia, who has a little over 1,500 nautical miles left before starting the climb up the Atlantic.
But before that, there are many obstacles left to overcome for the skipper and her IMOCA, facing the storm together.
