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

Alexia Barrier will attempt a historic solo passage in the Route du Rhum, climbing aboard IDEC Sport-CIC at Saint-Malo on Nov. 1. The 46-year-old French sailor will race alone in the giant ULTIM class aboard a 32-metre trimaran capable of speeds above 40 knots and reported top speeds around 46 knots. At Brest, she rehearsed handling maneuvers on the red, 23-metre-wide boat with a 34-metre mast. Barrier says sails weigh more than 100 kilos and a mistake at speed can be dangerous to both the boat and crew. She replaces a first all-female Jules Verne Trophy effort with solitude, with music as the main companion.