Yesterday was a very busy day for the competitors in the Vendée Globe, with the much-anticipated return of the wind in the Atlantic. Optimal conditions allowed the back of the fleet to catch their breath somewhat and to strategize an attack plan before heading into the southern hemisphere.
Twelve of them have already crossed the equator. Still 2,500 kilometers away, Alexia Barrier and the small group at the back of the race can finally get some rest after having done a lot of maneuvers in recent days to optimize the cruising speed of their IMOCA. “I did quite a few maneuvers yesterday and really needed a break, I listened to my feelings, and I slept. The night is beautiful, it’s really nice to have a double-digit speed. It feels good to move forward. I was able to sleep four hours in 40-minute intervals. I did a lot of spinnaker and gennaker maneuvers. My sails are very heavy compared to the new IMOCAs: the gennaker weighs 80 kg and I weigh 56 kg! When I raised it twice, it was my workout for the day. I can’t stay in Figaro mode, I need to rest,” explains Alexia aboard “TSE-4myplanet.”
Now the new goal is to quickly reach the southern hemisphere (preferably in four days) and the Doldrums with its very peculiar conditions. The gaps are still very tight in the midfield with no less than six boats within 100 miles. Nevertheless, Alexia still has 41,700 kilometers to cover and navigated nearly 600 km today.
