Volvo

Profile
Alex Thomson, 33 year-old record breaking sailor, is a major talent in international yachting. Alex first came to prominence at the age of 25 when he became the youngest skipper ever to win a round-the-world yacht race when he won the 1998-1999 Clipper Race. Following that early success, in 2000 he won the Round Britain & Ireland Race on an Open 50 "Sail that Dream" in a record time of 10 days which still stands.

In 2005 Alex became the first skipper to sign up for the 3 in 3 – 3 round the world races in 3 years starting with the Velux 5 Oceans in 2006, followed by the Barcelona World Race (BWR) in November 2007, and culminating in the 2008 Vendee Globe

Alex was forced to retire from the Velux 5 Oceans due to severe structural problems. He overcame the Southern Ocean by achieving a second place podium finish in the Barcelona World Race. Whilst on this race Alex smashed the 60ft monohull world distance record and was in excellent shape for the Vendée Globe.

However, only 3 weeks before the Vendée was due to commence, Alex was dramatically struck by a French fishing vessel. His team fought against the clock to finish the repairs in record time to achieve the impossible - and get Alex to the start line.

As a race favourite, Alex’s dreams to become the first Briton to win the much coveted title were shattered after only 3 days racing; when he discovered HUGO BOSS was letting in water. On inspecting the damage to HUGO BOSS it was determined that it could not be repaired in time to get Alex back in the race. Devastated, Alex announced his retirement from the Vendée. He is determined to return and compete in the 2012, and achieve his dream to become the first Briton to win the Vendée Globe.

Career Highlights

Smashing his own 24hr Solo Monhull World speed record during the Barcelona World race in February 2008
Achieving 2nd place in the Barcelona World Race 2008
His first race on an Open 60 – The Transat Jacques Vabre - with Josh Hall
Winning the Clipper Round the World Race with an amateur crew in 1998/9
Breaking the Round Britain and Ireland race record in 2000
Making it to the start of the Vendée Globe in November 2004
Racing neck in neck with Mike Golding for 2nd place in the Velux 5 Oceans before being forced to retire

LIKES / DISLIKES
Likes...

Often caught listening to Jack Johnson.
Current favourite author is Bernard Cornwell.
Other favourite sports are wakeboarding, kite surfing, and skiing on both water and snow.
Currently supports Portsmouth FC.
Loves his HUGO BOSS cashmere coat!

Dislikes...

Being wet or stuck in the rain.
That first hour after the race gun has gone and everyone has left the boat and you are alone…
Surprisingly does not like Southampton FC.
The taste of beetroot.