Our Mate Alex Thomson’s Races
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@neph93 It’s really a test of courage and determination. The sea and wind hates you and wants to destroy your boat. You’re in the middle of nowhere, where you’re closest rescue could be days away. It takes months to complete the race, and every time you think you have it figured out, something else goes wrong.
These sailors are the elite who become one with their boats, feeling and sensing everything that is going on with it. Then they have to be masters of interpreting weather conditions and understanding how to harness it to their advantage.
I have an utmost respect and admiration for these men and women.
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The latest:
Morning! Here’s a quick update for you from our Technical Director, Ross Daniel:
“Yesterday evening, Alex decided to take advantage of the light conditions to further reinforce the repairs that he has done onboard HUGO BOSS in order to increase the safety factors before he enters the Southern Ocean.
“To do this, he had to slow the boat down slightly so that he could work in relatively stable conditions. With the new weather front crossing the fleet today, which will carry them south, Alex knew that last night would be his last opportunity to complete this reinforcement.
“This morning we’ve been able to take a good look at the work that Alex did overnight. It looks good and we are very happy with what he has been able to do.
“Alex is now back into racing mode and is preparing for the Southern Ocean”. -
Lastest update:
At approximately 19:00 UTC this evening (Friday 27th November) – 19 days into the Vendée Globe round-the-world yacht race – Alex Thomson notified his technical team on shore of damage to the starboard rudder of his HUGO BOSS boat.
The team immediately advised Thomson to disconnect the rudder to regain steerage. He now has control of the yacht with one rudder, and is safe and in no danger onboard.
The team is working to assess the extent of the damage. A further update will be released on Saturday 28th November.
