French Woman With Oldest Boat At The Finish: "Nothing Is Impossible!"

Happy ending for AlexiBarrier: The 41-year-old French woman made her Vendée Globe premiere on the oldest boat in the fleet. Her yacht, once designed by Marc Lombard for Catherine Chabaud and now sailing under the name "TSE - 4MyPlanet", was christened on March 1st, 1998 and was almost 23 years old when AlexiBarrier arrived. Nevertheless, the boat carried her around the world non-stop once. The sympathetic soloist reached the finish line on February 28 at 7.23 a.m. German time after 111 days, 17 hours, 3 minutes and 44 seconds as the 24th of the fleet and the fourth sailor after compatriot Clarisse Crémer (12th) and the British Pip Hare (19.) and MirandMerron (22.). The two top-rated skippers Sam Davies (Great Britain) and the German-French Isabelle Joschke had retired early, but had brilliantly completed their circumnavigation outside of the rating after repair stops in the past few days and were enthusiastically celebrated at the finish by a large audience.

AlexiBarriers "TSE - 4MyPlanet" on target course with an increasing number of escort and fan boats

AlexiBarrier on the forecastle of her 23 year old "TSE - 4MyPlanet"

In repetition: The live broadcast from reception for AlexiBarrier at the end of their Vendée Globe premiere

AlexiBarrier was also warmly welcomed on this Sunday when she entered the port of departure and destination Les Sables-d'Olonne in the beautiful sunrise. At the pontoon in the famous Port Olonnach triumphant canal passage, family, friends, project partners and her black Labrador Nikka were waiting for her. Shortly after mooring, Barrier said, "I have sailed the oldest boat in the fleet and I am at the finish! A lot has happened. I had strong moments of fear and happy times of joy. It was a fantastic adventure that will stay in my memory forever." At this moment all of this gives me hope for a comeback in four years with a faster boat. Even if my boat is incredible, a legend! " Barrier's ship has circled the world seven times.

In the firelight of the classic homecoming Bengalos: AlexiBarrier

Arrived: AlexiBarrier is enjoying the cheers on this Sunday morning

When asked about unforgettable moments of the race, AlexiBarrier said: "I was very scared of the Indian Ocean. Or was it the Pacific? I don't remember in which one my mast was threatened. I was very scared. Not scared of dying, but Afraid of not reaching the goal. And then ten days ago I hurt my back really badly, had to crawl in the boat. In the last two days it has got a little better. But none of this could give me anything of this pure To take away the adventure and the good fortune of now here in Les Sables-d'Olonne to experience this extraordinary reception! When I think of this Vendée Globe, my first round the world, I will remember most of all that nothing is impossible the power of spiritual strength, hard work and optimism we can face any challenge. " Barrier also brought the enormous fitness of a triathlete and the sustained commitment of a fighter for the health of the world's oceans on board. Like Boris Herrmann, who arrived at his Vendée Globe premiere in Les Sables on January 28th, AlexiBarrier's foundation, which was founded in 2009, draws young people's attention to the need for and individual options for protecting the oceans.

AlexiBarrier thanks her boat that has carried her around the world

Happy reunion: AlexiBarrier and her black Labrador Nikka

AlexiBarrier has reached the finish line almost to the day exactly one month after the front runners as the penultimate of the 33 Vendée Globe starters, 25 of whom are expected to cross the finish line with a qualified result. After her, the likeable Finnish pilot Ari Huuselin Les Sables-d'Olonne is expected. The "Stark" skipper had to sail 920 nautical miles to the finish on Sunday morning and had already passed the Azores. He himself believes he will not be able to reach Les Sables until the coming weekend on March 6th or 7th, because calm winds await him in the Biskay for the finale.