SAILOR Alex Thomson has been made to work like a Trojan to save his dream of becoming the first Briton to win the world’s toughest solo sailing challenge, Vendée Globe 2008.
Less than 48 hours into the start of the race, Thomson’s Hugo Boss has been forced to return to the start line at Les Sables d’Olonne having suffered structural damage to the hull of his Open 60.
A statement issued by Thomson’s team said: ‘After 32 hours of horrendous Biscay conditions in the Vendee Globe race, Alex Thomson is returning to Les Sables d’Olonne following the discovery of a structural problem onboard Hugo Boss. A crack has appeared on the port side hull, the opposite side to the recent repair.
‘Thomson is in no imminent danger; the boat is taking on water, but at a manageable rate. On arrival in Les Sables D’Olonne the damage will be assessed. The Vendee Globe rules only allow the competing yachts to return to Les Sables D’Olonne to carry out repairs using outside assistance and restart the race within a ten day window of the start date.’
• Picture: Alex Thomson’s family in Jersey will hugely disappointed that he has had to return to the star with a damaged hull after working miracles to get Hugo Boss ready for the start of the Vendée Globe
Article posted on 11th November, 2008 - 3.00pm
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