Before setting off on her first Vendée Globe this Sunday, the navigator from the French Riviera, Alexia Barrier, had a video conference with students from the Puget-Théniers middle school. It was a moment of exchange and sharing for the young students, who will be able to follow the progress of the monohull “TSE – 4MYPLANET”.
Amid her preparations and between visits to her boat, Alexia Barrier took a moment to talk with fifth-grade students from the Puget-Théniers middle school. It was a moment of sharing that she hopes to continue throughout the race if conditions allow. “I am keen to share my race as much as possible,” exclaimed the Maralpine, who began her sailing education at the Yacht Club of Antibes. Her passion for the vast maritime spaces drove her to start competing at just 15 years old.
For her baptism of fire on the biggest solo race in the world, Alexia, who will be one of only six women among the 33 entrants, will proudly represent the Alpes-Maritimes department. For her, the goal is not to play a leading role. With a boat built in 1998 for Catherine Chabaud, which has already participated in the event six times, it’s challenging to hope for a place on the podium, despite being fervently wished for by the president of the Departmental Council, Charles Ange Ginésy!
No, the goal for “TSE – 4MYPLANET” lies elsewhere. As a “Green Deal” ambassador for the community, the navigator will carry scientific equipment that will allow researchers to study ocean currents and climate changes in remote areas lacking data.
A Special Moment for the Young Students
This round-the-world sailing journey will have a dual meaning beyond a childhood dream, both ecological and educational: “I know that the students have understood the challenge and the message of preserving the blue planet very well, and they too can be heroes in preserving it,” Alexia said. Each day, she will strive to send a letter or video message to the middle school students to share her extraordinary adventure.
With less than four days before departure, the navigator has already begun her outreach work thanks to a video conference organized by the department06, a partner in her solo adventure. During the session, the students had the opportunity to ask her questions about her preparation, her best memories on board, and navigation techniques according to weather conditions.
We wish good winds to “TSE – 4MYPLANET” and its captain Alexia Barrier and good luck in achieving her various objectives throughout the hundred or so days of the race ahead.
Vendée Globe starts this Sunday, November 8, at 1:02 PM, live on France 3.
