Alexia Barrier is set to become the first woman class in the history of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe to compete in the ULTIM division
After setting the first round-the-world record with an all-female crew for the Jules Verne Trophy, French woman Alexia Barrier is extending her horizons once again by entering the 2026 Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe at the helm of the legendary *IDEC SPORT - CIC*. As the first woman to compete in the ULTIM division she is set to write a new chapter in the race’s storied history.
A historic first on a legendary boat
Taking the helm of *IDEC SPORT - CIC* solo—alongside the world's best sailors and in the most demanding class in competitive sailing is a truly formidable challenge. Alexia Barrier will have to master the 32-meter trimaran which is capable of exceeding speeds of 40 knots. It is an immense responsibility requiring perfect technical, physical, and mental mastery of a maxi-trimaran that is already a Route du Rhum legend, having crossed the finish line as the winner on three occasions*. By becoming the first woman to sail this ocean giant solo, Alexia Barrier joins the ranks of the greatest female sailors and writes a groundbreaking new chapter for the ULTIM class.
* In 2018 with Francis Joyon, in 2014 with Loïck Peyron (*Banque Populaire VII*), and in 2010 with Franck Cammas (*Groupama 3*).
