Alexia Barrier, a 46‑year‑old French sailor, is set to make history when she departs from Saint‑Malo on November 1 aboard the 32‑metre (105‑foot) trimaran IDEC Sport‑CIC. The vessel, one of only eight ULTIM‑class machines in the world, will carry her alone across the Atlantic in the prestigious Route du Rhum race.
Preparing for a solo challenge
Barrier described the trimaran as “the biggest machine participating in offshore sailing around the world.” She noted its massive size – 23 metres (75 feet) wide with a 34‑metre (112‑foot) mast – and the sheer power of its sails, each weighing over 100 kg. At just 55 kg herself, she acknowledges the physical demands of handling such a vessel.
During a recent media visit in Brest, Barrier hoisted the mainsail to the soundtrack of the Black Eyed Peas’ “Meet Me Halfway” and demonstrated the boat’s acceleration, reaching speeds of around 23 knots in light wind. The trimaran has been recorded at roughly 46 knots, a speed Barrier admits requires a “bit of crazy” to manage safely.
From all‑female crew to solo sailor
Barrier’s solo effort follows her leadership of the first all‑female crew to set a reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy, sailing non‑stop around the globe. She reflected on the transition, saying the solitude of solo racing feels “like another life” and that she sometimes catches herself looking for crewmates who are no longer there.
Music will be her companion during the roughly week‑long passage, as she finalises a playlist to accompany her at sea. Yet she stresses that the race leaves little room for distraction; a small mistake at speeds exceeding 40 knots can quickly become dangerous for both boat and sailor.
Breaking barriers and inspiring future generations
Barrier is one of only 13 women to have completed the Vendée Globe and the first woman to attempt a solo ULTIM entry in the Route du Rhum. She sees her participation as a step toward opening doors for other women and young girls who wonder if they can pursue such ambitions.
“It’s part of my career. I’ve been racing for 20 years now, and it’s my life. For me, it’s a new step,” she said. “In a way, it’s cool to be the first. I can open a path for other women or little girls that are still wondering: ‘Shall I try, shall I do it?’”
Dreams of a podium finish
While acknowledging the formidable challenge, Barrier remains optimistic. She admits she “dreamed too big” but now sees her dream becoming tangible as the race approaches. A podium finish would be “amazing,” she added, encouraging others to “allow yourself to dream big.”
Barrier’s journey underscores the elite nature of modern ocean racing, where securing the necessary experience, funding, and team support is as demanding as the race itself. Her story highlights both the physical prowess required to command a high‑speed trimaran and the pioneering spirit that drives women to break into traditionally male‑dominated arenas of sport.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
