British solo sailor Alex Thomson has finished the non-stop around the world Vendée Globe race in third place, completing the course in 80 days & 18 hours, breaking the previous British record by eight days. The 38 year old sailor crossed the finish line 2 days 17 hours and 7 minutes after the winner Francois Gabart, finishing the 24,000 mile Everest of sailing at his third attempt.
Alex will be returning home to Gosport tomorrow with a tour around Portsmouth Harbour, with any boats or yachts wishing to join Alex in his Alex Thompson Racing/Hugo Boss yacht in a flotilla welcome to join at Spitbank Fort at 11am. You can see Alex’s tour of the harbour from a few view points in Portsmouth, see the map below. Find out more about Alex Thompson and his race at:
Southsea Sailor
8 February
Alex Thompson is the youngest skipper to win the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Clipper HQ is based in Gosport, and in his honour Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (Clipper Race Chairman) has given permission for the first of the brand new, Clipper 70s to join the parade of sail. 12 of these fabulous sailing beasts are being built and will take part in the 13-14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race starting in August 2013.