The rear of the fleet sees the Cape of Good Hope, which it could reach by Monday if conditions allow.
Before entering the Indian Ocean with its particularly unique weather, Alexia Barrier has completed the preparation of “TSE-4myplanet.” It was a physically demanding preparation. Taking care of the wounds to ensure she avoids troubles that cost Sam Davis dearly, who officially announced her withdrawal the previous day.
In any case, it’s more pleasant to maneuver under the sun than in the squalls! “Yesterday morning, someone came by to repaint the sky gray. I think it’s to get me used to the atmosphere of the coming days. It was a bit of a special day under these new colors. And I was able to rest because, since the start of the race, I never slept for several hours in a row. But these past two nights, I’ve managed to sleep for four straight hours. I recharged my batteries in preparation for the great unknown coming in a few days,” reassures the native of the Maritime Alps.
Now it’s time to think strategy and course to define the marching plan for the coming days: “I think we (the small group at the back) are going to take a slightly different path compared to the leaders of the race. We won’t have to go as far south because the weather system is a bit different. We don’t have to go down to catch the depression. At least, that’s what the forecasts indicate, but it could still change. It’s going to depend on the evolution of the windless bubble, which I’m monitoring regularly.”
Currently advancing to 22nd position, just 45 miles behind Fabrice Amedeo, Alexia Barrier enjoyed a very good day with an average speed of 14 knots, matching the speed of the leaders with state-of-the-art monohulls. It’s a strong performance that she will need to replicate when conditions allow.
