One week after arriving in Saint-Malo, Alexia Barrier is making the most of every encounter before heading back out to sea. Interviews, book signings, boat tours and the skippers’ presentation: around the Ultim IDEC SPORT-CIC, the days are busy and the enthusiasm is palpable. Six days before the start of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the sailor is savouring an adventure that is first shared on land.
Encounters that build momentum
The week took her to Paris for an interview on France Inter, before she returned to the buzz of the race village. On Saturday 24 October, a book signing at La Droguerie bookshop offered another chance to talk about her book. On Sunday, the skippers’ presentation in front of a large crowd extended this closeness with sailing fans.
“I’m enjoying this atmosphere to the full,” says Alexia. Tours of the maxi-trimaran with partners’ employees continue these exchanges. For the sailor, returning to Saint-Malo aboard this three-time Route du Rhum winner is a privilege. Showing the boat, talking about her preparation, sharing what lies ahead: so many ways to bring those who support the project on board before even leaving the quay.
The storm and the closure of the village for more than twenty-four hours did, however, disrupt the schedule. On board, the Ultim IDEC SPORT-CIC suffered no damage. “The boat preparers did a great job,” the skipper points out. Preparation continues, with the final details to fine-tune.
From the village to the pre-start bubble
This new week will still include moments with the public, notably a book signing on Wednesday 28 October, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, at the Ultim class stand, followed by a dinner with IDEC SPORT on Thursday 29 October. Employees of CIC and IDEC SPORT are also expected in Saint-Malo.
At the same time, Alexia is setting aside quieter moments. Sport every morning, preparing her food and testing her system for climbing the mast alone fill these last days on land.
On Friday 30 October, leaving the locks will open a new chapter. Once the trimaran is at anchor off Dinard, it will be time to refocus: “getting into my bubble,” she explains. With, from now on, a precise deadline: Sunday 1 November at 1:02 pm, heading for Guadeloupe.
