Our Mate Alex Thomson’s Races

[Giles]

Alex wants to be in a position to start the design and build directly after that meeting.  He said last night, that he does not believe the changes will be that radical, but he does not want to risk keeping the old boat.  For instance to move the position of the foils, which he thinks will be a requirement, will cost him $1.4million….. Feckin' OUCH....

Armel apparently was a gibbering wreck at the finish, Alex hounding him for best part of 50 days and never really being able to shake him off and thus relax, really got to him....He won't be in the next Vende  ::)

[Graeme]

The Volvo Ocean Race organisers have just announced their new rules, and they're going for an IMOCA derived one-design boat designed by Guillaume Verdier. He, in conjunction with VPLP, is responsible for all of the new generation of Open 60s.

So rather than going up a size, both events are sticking to 60 footers. Probably makes sense as the cost of a boat increases rapidly with length, the Volvo can resell its fleet to IMOCA racers, and it preserves the value of the Open 60s.

I haven't heard what's changed with the IMOCA rules. I don't think that it's anything major.

[Giles]

http://www.standard.co.uk/business/secrets-of-my-success-alex-thomson-sailing-champion-and-racing-team-founder-a3592291.html

[Aetas]

Hogo Boss unveiled! One year to the start ;)!

Picture Vendeé Globe

Some Insider informations @Giles ?

[Giles]

It is an absolute beast…...

And Alex does even need to go outside any more (which is good because he hates getting wet)..

I know more, but can't say - sorry

[Aetas]

[Giles]

I just popped down to the yard to take some pics, but it was shut for the day,,,,

[Giles]

Luckily Alex has a new boat…..

That means we can have the main section of his old mainsail....See here:

https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13208.msg614412#msg614412

[Giles]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sailing/2019/08/04/alex-thomson-hoping-experience-bold-design-55m-superboat-pays/

[Aetas]

„But they were coy about showing too much of their new foils, which they believe represent a significant development from the previous generation.“

Curious and tempted to see the new foils, which can move on two axes!

[Giles]

https://www.facebook.com/jaime.terradesvital/videos/10220225336133307/UzpfSTYxMTc1MDIwNDoxMDE1NjUyNzA4MDEyMDIwNQ/

[Giles]

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=606690973192955

[Aetas]

[Giles]

I'm probably seeing Alex tonight, I may get some decent info from him…..

[Giles]

He did not make the party….He had engine problems on the way back from the London launch....

[Giles]

You don't need to be particularly interested in, or understand sailing to read and watch this and be in total awe of the man.  It's not Alex, but Thomas Colville:

https://www.yachtingworld.com/all-latest-posts/trying-break-40-day-barrier-thomas-coville-radical-ultime-yet-119098/2

[Aetas]

“Relentless”
This brings back memory's and and awakens pleasant anticipation to the Vendeé Globe 2020.

[Giles]

https://www.alexthomsonracing.com/the-hub/?fbclid=IwAR0QR2qiZ3VAct0yRrPzu40WrPuIBNCZZmNjmnnEI55wQKlAdikS-o3lyko

[Giles]

Alex starts a little practice race on Sunday…...

https://www.transatjacquesvabre.org/en/skippers/imoca/59/hugo-boss

[Giles]

Quote from Alex's co-skipper from Le Havre whilst they wait for the beginning of the Transat…

"The best thing is, I heard somebody on the pontoon telling their friends, ‘you see these other boats, they are like a Renault, Alex? He’s brought a Rolls Royce.’ "