After a beautiful sunrise this Sunday morning, Alexia Barrier completed her Vendée Globe in 24th place. After docking at the famous Port Olona pontoon and being reunited with her family, friends, sponsors and her black Labrador Nikka, she spoke to the media.

I sailed the oldest boat in the fleet and I have finished!  A lot of things happened, I had big moments of fear, times of great joy and happiness. It was a fantastic adventure that will remain engraved on my mind foreve. And right now it makes me want to come back in four years with a faster boat. Even though this boat is incredible, it is a legend! Thanks La Penguin, she has been around the world seven times.

I had a big scare in the Indian - or was it the Pacific?  I don't remember which when my mast was threatened. I was very scared, not scared of dying but scared of not finishing! And then ten days ago, I hurt my back really badly and had to crawl into the boat. It's been a little better these past two days. But none of that detracts from the sheer adventure and my happiness to be here in Les Sables d’Olonne with this extraordinary welcome!

And most of all on this Vendée Globe, my first round the world, I will remember that nothing is impossible. With the power of the mind’s will, work and optimism, we can meet any challenge! "

Alexia Barrier / TSE-4myplanet