Thomson‘s partnership with Hugo Boss was one of many longest-standing sponsorships within the sport of crusing
For followers of the Vendée Globe, the “Boss Boat” and its skipper Alex Thomson have lengthy been favorites. In a race so closely dominated by the French, the charismatic, boisterous Englishman stood out each for his talent and persona, with onboard media that was extra accessible to English-speaking audiences. Thomson has competed within the IMOCA 60 circuit for 19 years, together with 5 consecutive Vendée Globes and quite a few world data. Thomson’s Vendée profession was marked by equal elements pleasure and heartbreak—breakages pressured him to retire from half the races he competed in, however when he did end it was on the rostrum. Following harm to his brand-new IMOCA 60 throughout the 2020 Vendée Globe, although, he introduced he was suspending his marketing campaign and wouldn’t compete within the 2024 version of the race.
“I’ve had the privilege to compete and race IMOCA 60s for nearly 20 years,” Thomson stated. “I really like the game, nevertheless it’s time for me to spend extra time on land with my younger household. My spouse, Kate, has singlehandedly raised our kids for the final 10 years while I’ve pursued my dream. Now I need to assist Kate and permit her the identical alternative that she has given me. This doesn’t imply that I’m retiring, simply altering my function, from spending most of my time at sea to spending extra of it on land.”
This isn’t to say we received’t see extra from Thomson out on the water. He continues to be an envoy for the game and was noticed aboard the brand new Gunboat 68 Tosca throughout the RORC Transatlantic Race. Thomson additionally stated he and his group 5 West Ltd. will stay collectively and that he nonetheless very a lot has his eye on a win within the Vendée Globe, although possibly as a mentor the subsequent time round somewhat than as a sailor.
“The purpose has at all times been to win the Vendée Globe, which to me stays the hardest sporting problem left on the planet at the moment, and we haven’t completed that but,” he says. “That is the beginning of a brand new chapter, with a brand new skipper, and we’ll present her or him with all of the instruments, data, expertise and setting to win.” For the newest on Thomson’s profession, go to alexthomsonracing.com.
Images courtesy of Alex Thomson Racing.
February 2022
