She has never been so close to the goal. Finally crossing the famed Cape Horn. The object of all desires and questions before departure. A release that should happen in just a few hours!
Crossing Cape Horn is something to be earned, no matter the position in the fleet. Sam Davies, who is sailing off-race, experienced that joy yesterday afternoon (16:17 UTC) by passing within about thirty miles of Tierra del Fuego. A bit further away, our local participant should be the next to pass the mythical landmark. Last night, she was only 50 nautical miles from the goal.
“We are soon approaching Cape Horn, it’s happening. In the meantime, the wind has shifted, and I have been in an absolutely monstrous storm, just really. I think yesterday’s gale was the worst in terms of the intensity of rough, crashing waves we’ve had in the last ten days. I was tossed around in every direction by its fronts and depressions, or maybe it’s because I’m tired, I don’t know,” explains the Azurean, who has experienced her fair share of tough situations in the Pacific.
But to tackle it in the best way possible, Alexia Barrier needs to arm herself with patience, hoping that the wind, which has kept her awake several nights, decides to be on her side. “Behind me, I see the snowy mountains. Maybe I will tack, or the wind will turn? I don’t know, but I will get there one day, don’t worry, it’s not far anymore. The Atlantic awaits me,” she rejoices.
For this crucial passage in her race, the Maralpian should ultimately be accompanied by Ari Huusela, who has drawn closer to less than 50 miles as well, by taking a much more direct route. It goes to show that the race is fierce not only at the front!
