With all sails out, Alexia Barrier has returned to her usual cruising pace since yesterday, after the wind finally decided to cooperate. This change marks the end of the Saint Helena high, heading towards the equator and the North Atlantic!
“Speed is back, the wind has turned, it’s my turn to head north,” announced Alexia while enjoying her last chocolate croissant as a reward for the efforts made over the past week in uncontrollable winds. And to think, we believed that once Cape Horn was passed, the route would be calmer… Now, it’s time to recharge the batteries before tackling the Doldrums, the last challenge before the anticipated arrival around February 26th, according to the Maralpine. A realistic forecast if conditions remain steady…
But we’re not there yet, and before that, it’s time to enjoy the beautiful current sea. “For two days now it’s been better because before, the boat was just banging, the waves were super unpleasant. It was difficult to rest,” remarked Alexia yesterday live on France Inter. “I’ve been able to string together a few hours of sleep while still keeping an ear on my boat. The peculiarity that we skippers have when alone offshore is that we know all the sounds of our boats, and as soon as there’s one that’s a bit suspect, we get up.”
At an average of 10 knots, TSE-4myplanet should cross the Equator in 48 hours if things remain the same. Except, in this Vendée Globe, nothing really goes as planned. That’s what adds spice to this unique competition. Let’s meet again in about fifteen days to review this wonderful adventure!
