Barrier Set to Become First Woman to Race Solo in Route du Rhum’s ULTIM Class

French sailor Alexia Barrier is preparing to make history by becoming the first woman to compete solo in the giant ULTIM class of the Route du Rhum, one of the world’s most demanding transatlantic sailing races.

The 46-year-old will take on the challenge aboard IDEC Sport-CIC, a powerful 32-metre trimaran capable of reaching speeds of about 46 knots. The race is scheduled to begin in Saint-Malo, France, on November 1, with competitors crossing the Atlantic towards Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.

Barrier has been training off Brest, France, to prepare for the physical and technical demands of handling the enormous vessel alone. The trimaran measures approximately 23 metres across and has a mast rising 34 metres above the water, while its sails and equipment require considerable strength and precision to manage.

“The sails are huge. It’s really powerful,” Barrier told Reuters, explaining the demands of operating the boat. She acknowledged that mistakes at high speed could damage the vessel or put her safety at risk, adding that she was more focused than ever as the start approached.

The upcoming challenge follows another significant milestone in her sailing career. In 2025, Barrier led an all-female crew in an attempt to set a reference time for the Jules Verne Trophy, a non-stop round-the-world sailing challenge. She is now preparing to exchange the support of a crew for the isolation of solo ocean racing, where she will be responsible for navigation, sail handling and decisions throughout the journey.

Barrier is also among the small number of women to have completed the Vendée Globe, the solo, non-stop round-the-world sailing race. Her participation in the ULTIM class represents another step into a traditionally male-dominated area of offshore sailing.

She said she hopes her achievement will encourage other women and girls to pursue sailing, particularly those who may be uncertain about entering the sport. For Barrier, the challenge is about more than her finishing position; she also wants to help open opportunities for future generations.

Reaching the podium would be a major achievement, although Barrier recognises the scale of the task ahead. The ULTIM fleet features some of the sport’s most experienced sailors and some of its largest and fastest racing multihulls.

The 2026 edition of the Route du Rhum is expected to feature 118 skippers across several classes, including ULTIM, IMOCA, Ocean Fifty and Class40. The race has a long history dating back to 1978 and attracts international attention for its combination of speed, endurance and the unpredictability of crossing the Atlantic alone.

As the start date approaches, Barrier’s preparations will be closely watched by sailing enthusiasts, with her attempt offering a landmark opportunity for women’s participation in elite solo ocean racing.