After a first day of racing on the 2026 Rhum Route, Alexia Barrier shared her first impressions from her boat. Despite sometimes rough conditions and a provisional ranking that lags behind, the navigator remains determined. The Nice native currently occupies 7th place in the ULTIM category.
The first hours of the 2026 Rhum Route have already brought some turbulent sequences for Alexia Barrier. Competing in the ULTIM category with IDEC Sport – CIC, the navigator experienced in particular gusts up to 30 knots and difficult passages with a large upper sail. Conditions that nevertheless did not prevent her from continuing her race and that her trimaran, triple winner of the race between 2010 and 2018, handled perfectly so far.
In her first assessment since the start, Alexia Barrier mentions speed peaks of over 35 knots. « We haven’t let go since the start. The gym is open 24 hours a day, and that from day one of racing, with great speeds, peaks over 35 knots », she says.
Rest, a key factor in performance
Sleep remains a challenge for the navigator. After this first day, Alexia Barrier estimates she managed to sleep about twenty minutes, in seven-minute intervals. Limited recovery, but enough for her to keep up the pace on board.
With a touch of humor, the navigator also describes her rest space: « In my little bed with my very comfortable ergonomic pillow with a view of the terrace in the fresh air. »
From a sporting standpoint, Alexia Barrier acknowledges having fallen behind her competitors. The Maralpine currently occupies 7th place in the ULTIM category, 36 nautical miles behind Guirec Soudée, who precedes her in the standings. The race leader is, for its part, 236 nautical miles ahead.
A gap that the navigator intends to further reduce: « Here, obviously, I’m a bit behind the fleet, but I haven’t said my last word in any case. »
The rest of the navigation should notably be marked by a jibe announced in the two hours following her message sent at the end of the first night of competition. A maneuver intended to allow the boat to head back south. « Can’t wait to tackle this jibe in 2 hours (around 8 o’clock this morning, Editor’s note) to head back south », concludes Alexia Barrier.
Despite a demanding start to the race, the Antibes native remains mobilized for the rest of this 2026 Rhum Route which should last about ten days.
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