The Vendée Globe is above all about competition, emotions, but not only that… Every four years, this unique race in the world is also an opportunity to advance research. A commitment made by Alexia Barrier before the start.
As a “Green Deal” ambassador for the Alpes-Maritimes Department, the sailor boarded scientific equipment before departure. This is intended to allow scientists and researchers to study ocean currents and climate changes in quite remote areas where data is scarce.
The day before yesterday, the Maralpine had already released a weather drifter buoy in the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean. A buoy that helps better analyze weather conditions in this region where winds and currents seem difficult to comprehend. “Its function is to collect meteorological and oceanographic data (temperature, surface current, atmospheric pressure) while being attached to a floating anchor,” explains Alexia, who is deeply committed to the ecological cause she supports aboard “TSE-4myplanet.”
Yesterday, she did it again, and it was live that the skipper sent an Argo beacon into the sea. This time, the mission is more educational as it is meant to help children understand the weather and ocean currents by tracking its signal in the ocean. “It is very important at our small scale to contribute to this global challenge of preserving the planet. I am delighted to have taken this action today, it is super motivating,” shared the local of the race.
Two symbolic actions full of meaning in this East to West crossing of the South Atlantic. A crossing that is currently going wonderfully and that Alexia is approaching with great caution following recent events that have affected several sailors in the race (the withdrawal of Kévin Escoffier and contact with an unidentified floating object for Sam Davis, who is struggling with her damaged monohull).
Heading towards the Cape of Good Hope for Alexia Barrier, relieved of two measuring devices but who is expected to take new actions for the planet in the 36,200 km she still has to cover!
