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    Around The World In 74 Days With Alex Thomson & Hugo Boss

    45.5017° N, 73.5673° W

    "The Vendée Globe is considered an extreme quest of individual endurance and the ultimate test in ocean racing"

    To race on a speed boat across the world without any external assistance is undoubtedly an arduous task. But for the British yachtsman Alex Thomson – this is nothing new. Last year, he travelled over 25,000 nautical miles the Hugo Boss racing yacht to participate in an international competition called, The Vendée Globe.

    The Vendée Globe is a single-handed (solo) non-stop yacht race around the world without assistance. The race was founded by Philippe Jeantot in 1989, and since 1992 has taken place every four years. It is named after the Département of Vendée in France where the race starts and ends. The Vendée Globe is considered an extreme quest of individual endurance and the ultimate test in ocean racing.

    This year Mr Thomson broke his own record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe in a monohull. The sailor accomplished the race in only 74 days, and came in second place to French sailor Armel Le Cléauc’h.

    We met with Mr. Thomson and he showed us the 60-foot racing yacht. Weighing in at 7.5 tons, it’s constructed from durable but light composite materials, and its finished with a sleek black exterior emblazoned with the Hugo Boss logo.

    As we sat in the cockpit, Mr. Thomson explained to us the hydrodynamic research and computational dynamics of that aided in the boat’s construction, as well as his the obstacles he faced during the completion of the race. As he showed us the interior of the boat, he describe how much of the technology utilized was derived directly from Formula One race cars. The boat is capable of attaining top speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, and is able to withstand the harsh conditions of the oceans.

    It’s hard to fathom some of the wonders you encounter when you’re a solo sailor, but Mr. Thomson told us some compelling stories of his time on the sea. For instance, on day thirteen, the boat collided with an unidentified object in the water, this caused his starboard foil to break, but Mr. Thomson was able to withstand the minor setback, and continue the race.

    All in all, we were truly impressed with his stories and his accolades, and we are looking forward to see what his fourteen year long partnership with Hugo Boss produces for his sailing ventures.

    Words: Abraham Berchan
    Photography: Peter Reid

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