The building of an icon - the world’s most sophisticated monohull built to sail around the world single-handed, non-stop.
The Vendée Globe is known as the world’s toughest offshore ocean race: non-stop, singlehanded, averaging 26,000 nautical miles around the world, unassisted. The race takes place every 4 years and winning is arguably the most coveted accolade in offshore sailing. It is not for the fainthearted, and it is not always plain sailing. Getting to the starting line of the Vendée Globe takes grit, determination and a committed team: time, patience and a lot of hard work. Also known as the ‘Everest of the Seas’, the Vendée Globe sees a 50% attrition rate–only 11 out of 20 boats finished the 2012-2013 race.
Alex Thomson has been focused on winning this prestigious race since starting his solo racing campaign in 2003, and has had his eyes set firmly on the title ever since. After being forced to retire in the 2004 and 2008 races, Thomson finished in an incredible third place in the 2012- 2013 Vendée Globe after spending 80 days, 19hours, 23 minutes and 43 seconds at sea. He is currently the fastest Briton to sail single-handed around the world in a monohull, and is more determined than ever to bring home the gold. At 1:00 pm on Sunday 6th November 2016, Alex Thomson will embark on the next edition of this gruelling race on board his new boat, HUGO BOSS. Building on his podium finish in 2013, Thomson will seek to make history by becoming the first British sailor ever to win this iconic race. Thomson and his team are more focused than ever on their Road to Vendée …
