How intense these last few days have been for Alexia Barrier in this 2020 edition of the Vendée Globe. While the atmosphere remains tense at the front of the race, behind, there’s finally a sense of relief!
The pressure is gently easing on the black and pink IMOCA. After five days of tension, it’s time to get back into the rhythm of the race, and most importantly, without taking any risks. The sword of Damocles still seems to hang over TSE-4myplanet despite the encouragement and reassuring words from the team onshore.
“The wind is currently quite calm, and the waves are still big but for once somewhat orderly. The evening is looking good on board. The day wasn’t too bad either, two gybes, some tinkering, a shower (it’s been a while!). I am a bit out of sync with France at the moment in terms of the time schedule,” confided the sailor from the French Riviera, who is gradually and surely recovering emotionally. It’s crucial to regain a more typical routine, even though sailors’ habits are worlds apart from those of land dwellers. Sleep in short bursts to constantly monitor the mast, which is both sturdy and fragile. Quite a paradox, much like this Vendée Globe that struggles to find its leader and presents so many challenges to the skippers in this 9th edition.
Having skirted the ice zone, Alexia Barrier heads a bit further south to get closer to Tasmania in this Pacific Ocean, which turns out to be just as challenging as the Indian Ocean or the North Atlantic. Caution is therefore necessary to continue the course towards Cape Horn, which the leaders are approaching at a steady pace.
There are still 23,300 kilometers left to cover for the Azuréenne to reunite with her loved ones on Vendée soil.
