While the final victory is about to be decided, Alexia Barrier savors her first victory, being back in the Atlantic after experiencing more than perilous situations.
As Charlie Dalin and Louis Burton are the first to have crossed the finish line, without truly knowing their final rankings due to time bonuses granted to Yannick Bestaven and Boris Herrmann (who just lost all chances of victory by hitting a fishing boat 80 miles from the finish), Alexia Barrier also had the chance to see a piece of land. “I hadn’t seen land since leaving Les Sables d’Olonne, so seeing the snow-capped Andes was absolutely magnificent. It’s a huge relief to be in the Atlantic, which is much more mild in terms of conditions for sailing.”
An astute observer of the race, the Maralpine shared a small comment just hours before the leaders arrived: “What is happening at the front of the fleet is just incredible, and it’s really exciting to watch. When I left for the Vendée Globe, I knew I wouldn’t be part of this group because I have the smallest boat in the fleet. I set out to complete the world tour, but in 2024, I will return with a boat to be among those leading the race and competing at the front,” she promises with ambition.
So, the learning must continue for the skipper in her forties whose project was put together somewhat hastily. But the main thing is there: being in the race and on the right track to complete this first world tour by the end of February, if possible, before already preparing more calmly for the tenth edition “in scooter mode”!
