After several days marked by maneuvers and difficult weather conditions, Alexia Barrier has benefited from some respite aboard IDEC SPORT-CIC. This Friday, November 6, the sailor from Antibes continues her crossing with a stable sail configuration. Still fifth in the ULTIM category, the skipper is now preparing the next stage of her journey to Guadeloupe.
After successive sail changes over the past few days, the night was less demanding in maneuvers for Alexia Barrier. Following a test carried out at the end of the day, the sailor maintained the same sail configuration until morning. The trimaran is sailing under full mainsail and J2, with the wind coming from the side.
A course that allows the boat to perform well, according to Clément Surtel, technical director of The Famous Project. This stability also offers greater availability to the sailor, who was able to limit interventions on board.
Conditions remain nonetheless fresh. “I stay in my little niche. It’s quite cold, we’re right in a squall,” says Alexia Barrier in her latest message.
Important recovery before the next difficulties
This less eventful night allowed the sailor to devote more time to rest. Despite a course that doesn’t always facilitate sleep, Alexia Barrier appears to have been able to recover longer than during previous nights.
Nutrition is also an important point after several days of physical effort and fragmented sleep. Aboard a maxi-trimaran, recovery periods are essential to maintain enough energy during the next maneuvers and weather changes.
The rest of the crossing remains nonetheless uncertain. Forecasts announce complex conditions ahead, which will require the sailor to conserve her strength until arriving in Guadeloupe.
Alexia Barrier still fifth in the ULTIM category
Sportwise, Alexia Barrier still holds fifth place in the ULTIM category this Friday, November 6. Aboard IDEC SPORT-CIC, the sailor is trailing by 216 nautical miles behind Guirec Soudée, fourth, and by more than 800 nautical miles from the race leader.
The leading competitors in the category are expected in Guadeloupe during the night of Saturday to Sunday. For Alexia Barrier, arrival should occur early next week, around Tuesday, depending on weather conditions.
Until then, the priority remains to maintain the pace, as she advances at an average of 24 knots over the past 24 hours while preserving the boat and the sailor’s strength. After several demanding days, this lull represents an important stage to continue the Route du Rhum 2026.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
