The end of the crossing remains delicate for Alexia Barrier. On board IDEC SPORT-CIC, the navigator from Antibes continues her route towards Pointe-à-Pitre with a mainsail still damaged. After several unsuccessful repair attempts, the priority now consists of preserving the sail and preventing the tear from worsening. Despite progress slowed by lack of wind, Guadeloupe is drawing closer.
A mainsail still damaged, but some speed regained
After the difficulties encountered during the weekend, Alexia Barrier took advantage of the weather conditions to continue her progress southward. The repair of her mainsail did not, however, succeed. The navigator plans to resume the work when the wind strengthens, with the hope of being able to raise more sail as she approaches Guadeloupe.
The initial interventions also left physical marks. « Well, so I’m sleeping a lot and tinkering with the mainsail has exhausted me a bit, I’m sure there will be bruises everywhere like a dalmatian », she says.
Sunday evening, a maneuver nevertheless allowed her to raise the mainsail to the first reef. An adjustment that offers a little more speed to IDEC SPORT-CIC, even though the sail remains fragile with a tear of about fifty centimeters. The Maralp sailor also reported a problem with a winch, which was no longer turning properly.
The repair therefore remains uncertain. Alexia Barrier nevertheless remains hopeful, drawing on similar experiences encountered by other offshore racing teams. The objective is to be able to use her mainsail more without risking further damage.
Two jibes carried out with caution
The night from Sunday to Monday was calmer on board the maxi-trimaran. Two jibes were performed, with particular attention paid to the mainsail. These changes of tack represent a sensitive moment for an already torn sail, which risks snapping under the effect of wind and boat movements.
The navigator therefore adapted her movements to limit stress on the sail. In the morning, the tear did not appear to have worsened. A reassuring development, even if caution remains necessary.
Alexia Barrier was considering raising the mainsail to the head after sunrise, provided that inspections confirmed the integrity of the damaged section. Complete repair is therefore still not assured.
IDEC SPORT-CIC continues its progress towards Pointe-à-Pitre
Navigation conditions remain unfavorable for speed. With light wind and reduced sails, the trimaran is moving more slowly than hoped. Alexia Barrier nevertheless accepts this pace, aware that preserving her boat has now become a priority.
The navigator from Antibes is gradually approaching Guadeloupe at just over 400 nautical miles from Pointe-à-Pitre, but refuses to consider arrival as assured. Monitoring of the mainsail remains constant and the next maneuvers will have to be carried out with caution.
After a succession of breakdowns, repairs and difficult nights, this lull allows Alexia Barrier to regain her strength. The skipper now keeps Pointe-à-Pitre in her sights, with a clear objective: finish the Rhum Route 2026 without further compromising her boat.
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