Nationality: British
Place of Birth: Gosport, Hamshire, UK
Professional Skipper and founder
of Alex Thomson Racing Ltd.
Alex Thomson's offshore career started in 1999. As Co-Skipper on Josh Hall's "Open 60 Gartmore", Thomson participated at the Jacques Vabre Race. With more than 300.000 nautical miles and 7 Fastnet Race participations he was awarded with the title of the youngest successful skipper in 2003. Currently he holds three records: 500 nautical miles speed distance, Round the Island Race and from New York to Lizard Point (Cornwall/UK).
Alex and his wife Kate have a one-year-old son, Oscar. Alex often sails with his brother David, who is also a professional yachtsman.
Alex is an adventurer, a maverick, who thrives on the challenges of his sport. He loves the outdoors – kitesurfing, hydrofoiling, running and mountain biking.
For more information please see http://www.alexthomsonracing.com/category/team/
Alex and his wife Kate on a HUGO BOSS party.
Alex precisely calculates his route.
Events & Success
1999:
At 25, Alex became the youngest skipper ever to win a round-the-world race – Clipper 98-99.
2003:
Alex set 24 hour speed distance world record by sailing 468 nautical miles at an average speed of 19.5kts.
2004:
Alex forced to retire from the Vendée Globe, 5th edition, due to structural damage.
2006:
Alex forced to retire from the Velux 5 Oceans Race due to structural damage. He was rescued at sea by fellow British competitor Mike Golding.
2007:
Alex broke his own 24 hour distance record by sailing 501 nautical miles at an average speed of 20.9kts.
Feb 2008:
2nd place finish in the Barcelona World Race (double-handed with Andrew Cape).
Nov 2008:
Alex forced to retire from the Vendée Globe, 6th edition, after his boat was struck by a fishing vessel.
Nov 2011:
2nd place finish in the Transat Jacques Vabre (double-handed with Guillermo Altadill).
Dec 2011:
4th place finish in the Transat B to B (single-handed).
Dec 2011:
5th across the line (5 crew) in the 2011 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Jul 2012:
New single-handed monohull transatlantic world record by sailing from New York to Lizard Point (Cornwall/UK) in just 8 days 22 hours and 8 minutes.
