The day was one of the most peaceful in this Vendée Globe. After mentally accompanying Kévin Escoffier yesterday, Alexia Barrier decided to carry out a complete check-up of her IMOCA.
In the end, there is no such thing as a quiet day in the legendary solo round-the-world race. As a new depression approaches at full speed, it was important to prepare TSE-4myplanet to face rough seas. “Onboard energy, mechanics, structure, standing rigging, running rigging, and sails. I go over everything, reinforce, seal the small leaks that will quickly become unpleasant when it gets cold […] We’re doing everything we can with the team to avoid breakage. I’m going to experience extraordinary moments. Very few of us achieve what I am doing. I’m like the astronaut in the rocket to the moon. Both terrified and awestruck. I wouldn’t trade my place for anything. Life is wonderful,” enthuses Alexia as she enters another high point of the race.
But the various interventions carried out on her monohull, such as climbing over 20 meters high to check several elements and replace a reef are very risky operations, especially with winds of about twelve knots accompanied by the boat’s movements. Such is the price to pay to sail in the best possible conditions in the next 48 hours.
Now it’s time for the Great South with its very tough conditions, which cost Kévin Escoffier dearly, before reaching the Cape of Good Hope. Key word: caution!
