After Manuel Cousin’s arrival yesterday afternoon, the next boat still in the race expected to cross the finish line is that of our Maralpine and her Penguin, which has regained its former glory in the North Atlantic!
We’re almost there, but to conclude this around-the-world journey, it’s time to grit our teeth. There are still 1,500 miles separating TSE-4myplanet from the port of Les Sables d’Olonne, which was reached yesterday by the 23rd in the overall ranking after 103 days of racing. Although there hasn’t been much at stake since the beginning of the year, the spirit of competition is resurfacing to overcome the suffering. “My goal is to try to arrive as quickly as possible so I can rest. But it’s okay, I’m in good spirits; a lot of people are sending me supportive messages. I’m not depressed at all, just sometimes it hurts so much I want to scream, but that’s not going to make the boat go any faster. I’m trying to stay cool, hydrate well, eat, take my medication, and find positions that are a bit more comfortable to keep watch and check the numbers on the computer. But it’ll be fine, there are less than ten days left I think, so I’m almost there,” Alexia says, optimistic as she makes her way to Vendée.
A straight line that, in case she is unable to manage the necessary maneuvers, could allow her to reach the finish line by minimizing the efforts required on board to the maximum. “At times, I can’t manage to sit because it sort of affects my spine. The most comfortable position is being in my bean bag inside the boat or when I find a lying position in the bunk. The only concern when I was settled inside, I thought when I fell back then got back up in my bunk was, will I be able to get down? And indeed, there are moments when it’s a bit tricky to put my feet back on the ground,” she confides.
Can’t wait for the next weekend, provided the weather permits as there are numerous anticyclones in the Northeast Atlantic. If the boat covered over 300 miles yesterday (probably not far off its record for the race) thanks to the depression that was announced yesterday, the wind is expected to drop below 10 knots during the day.
