Sailing-Barrier ready to make history in Route du Rhum on ocean-racing giant

BREST, France, October 10: Alexia Barrier, a 46-year-old French sailor, stands poised to make history by attempting to become the first woman to race solo in the ULTIM class of the Route du Rhum ocean race. The giant trimaran, IDEC Sport-CIC, measures 32 meters (105 feet) and can reach speeds of over 40 knots. Standing on the deck of this immense vessel, Barrier appears small, but her presence commands attention.

Having already set a record for the Jules Verne Trophy, Barrier is now swapping the camaraderie of a crew for the solitude of single-handed ocean racing. She acknowledges the immense power and speed of the boat, emphasizing that even a minor mistake could have severe consequences. Despite the risks, Barrier is focused and ready for the challenge, viewing this as a significant milestone in her career and a step towards inspiring future generations of female sailors.