Amidst immense shouts of joy, Alexia Barrier arrived at the port of Les Sables d’Olonne early in the morning after over three and a half months of solo racing. Although the channel wasn’t as crowded as usual due to the even earlier than expected timing (7:23 am), the atmosphere on board TSE-4myplanet was exceptionally joyful.
As if symbolic, she waited for the sunrise on this early morning of the last day of February to cross the finish line in 24th position of this Vendée Globe. Alexia Barrier ranks as the 4th woman overall, completing her around-the-world journey in 111 days, 17 hours, and 3 minutes. Far from her initial goal, but no matter! Her smile, which she never lost throughout the adventure, was more present than ever as the crowd of boats gathered around the “Penguin.”
An immense relief, we imagine, for the Maralpine who went through all sorts of emotions during her first participation. The excitement and rush before the start, the fear at the moment of her miraculous and consequence-free dismasting on Christmas evening, and finally the pain after her fall last week which will force her to visit the hospital for a back examination.
Family, Friends, and History
As she disembarked, not without difficulty, from her IMOCA, greatly aided by a brace brought by the race doctor, Dr. Chauve, just minutes after crossing the finish line, Alexia Barrier was welcomed by several skippers such as Samantha Davies, Romain Attanasio, Manuel Cousin, Jean-Pierre Dick (with four Vendée Globe races including a 4th place in 2017) and especially Catherine Chabaud. The first woman to have completed this solo circumnavigation 22 years ago with the same boat. A beautiful image of this historical handover, all in front of the “Penguin,” which should have its well-deserved retirement!
Then, with emotion on the track “The Low Budget Men,” again symbolic, she moved towards her supporters, acclaimed by her team, family, and friends wearing pink wigs. A beautiful story coming to an end, yet the adventure is far from over as barely had the journalists’ microphones been lowered, when the Azuréenne announced she was ready for 2024 with a more complete project. Proof of her dedication and passion for this sport. Bravo Alexia!
