San Francisco Frontiers - French yachtswoman set to break new barriers in Route du Rhum

"I'm going to be the first woman to race in the Ultim class at the Route du Rhum," the 46-year-old told a video press conference on Thursday.

The Ultim class —- an elite fleet of giant multihulls established in 2018 —- comprises the world's fastest trimarans, measuring 32 metres in length and 23 metres in width.

In January, Barrier achieved the first non-stop round-the-world voyage in a maxi-trimaran with an all-female crew.

For her latest challenge, Barrier will set off solo aboard 'Idec Sport', the same vessel she used to complete the Jules Verne Trophy in 57 days alongside eight female teammates.

The boat is currently undergoing repairs after sustaining serious damage during the final days of their round-the-world voyage.

"That's the big challenge," she said. "I have 100 days of physical training to get into peak shape. As for the rest, the sailing itself, that doesn't scare me."

Barrier and her team are currently adapting the boat to suit her, for instance by raising the deck level so she can "be more comfortable... when handling manoeuvres".

The launch is scheduled for August 3.

"I'll be the first (woman), but I want it to reach a point in a few years where that's no longer a talking point. Offshore racing is a mixed-gender sport, and it's important to me to see greater female representation at the highest level."

The 13th edition of the Route du Rhum will set sail on November 1 from the northern Brittany port of Saint-Malo heading for Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe.

Barrier hopes to complete the transatlantic crossing in seven days.

U.Campbell--SFF