Our Mate Alex Thomson’s Races

[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.’ "

[Aetas]

Hope his new boat behaves more like a Koenigsegg.