British skipper Alex Thomson competing in “Everest of Sailing”

Yesterday, Alex Thomson set sail for the 2020-21 Vendée Globe, aiming this year to win, having finished second and third in the previous two editions of the single-handed round-the-world race.

The record-setting British skipper is sailing on board HUGO BOSS, an IMOCA 60 yacht that took 80,000 hours to design and build. A significant step forward for this class of boat, HUGO BOSS is made almost entirely from carbon fiber and is kitted out with a network of cameras,  allowing Thomson to view and analyze his progress from within the cockpit – and offering fans a fully immersive experience as they follow along from home.

This unique race, referred to as the “Everest of sailing”, takes place every four years. Each skipper circumnavigates the globe – sailing a distance of more than 28,000 miles – unassisted and without stopping. Only just over half the 167 sailors who have ever attempted the odyssey have successfully completed it

Thomson finished the 2016-17 race in 74 days, 19 hours and 35 minutes, less than 24 hours short of the record time set by Frenchman Armel Le Cléac’h. The new HUGO BOSS yacht features groundbreaking design and never-before-seen technology, which the skipper is confident will give him the edge this year.

“Winning the Vendée Globe is what I’ve set my mind to for almost 20 years now. This race has totally captivated my imagination and it really is everything I have worked towards. To win it? Of course, that’s the goal, but first we have to finish the race. And with this being my fifth attempt, I know just how tough that is to do. But I’m confident in myself, in the HUGO BOSS boat, and I think if we can get to the finish line, then we should certainly be in contention to win.”

Alex Thomson

“The Vendée Globe is an incredible combination of engineering and excellence, requiring immense skill and endurance. We will be cheering Alex Thomson on throughout his journey. We’re so proud to support such a talented sportsman and wish him every luck.”

Lüder Fromm, Director Global Marketing and Brand Communications of HUGO BOSS

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