While the leaders of the race enjoy summer conditions on their way up the Atlantic, Alexia Barrier is dealing with a new depression in the chilly Pacific.
Eagerly awaiting the end, the Maralpine must secretly think: “It’s not really warm! I even had snow, and sometimes there is hail in the squalls… But it’s almost over: I’m close to Cape Horn, and so I’m heading towards warmer and better days. Last week, we spent five days in the same depression with winds between 35 and 50 knots… And in less than 24 hours, I’ll have 40 knots again. To say that Cape Horn, it’s well-deserved… And the Great South, it’s something to experience: there are absolutely fantastic lights, clouds, sunrises, and sunsets!”
But before that, she’ll have to fight once more, the third time in less than ten days: “I am ready for the battle! There is a BMS (Special Weather Bulletin, synonymous with storm alert) in the Cape Horn area. I’ve put on my warrior T-shirt (in the photo). It’s the first time since the start of the race that I’m wearing it, that says it all… Some of the older ones might be reminded of a Maxi named Alexia by this T-shirt,” Alexia jokes, leaving this little message to her loved ones while looking at her goal in the distance.
While the morale is good on board TSE-4myplanet, it will be necessary to brace for this new challenging passage that promises to be tough and is expected to last until the pass of the South American tip, planned for in just under three days. So, heading East in “moped mode” as she likes to say. But caution is still advised as the journey is far from over. While the first sailors are expected next weekend, it will be necessary to wait until the end of February to see the “Penguin” return to port.
