Just 23 days before the start of the Vendee Globe, Alex Thomsons Hugo Boss has been seriously damaged in a collision with a fishing boat whilst en route to the race start port of Sables d’Olonne. The collision took place at 2.30am this morning whilst Hugo Boss was stationary just 2 miles outside of the port, waiting to transfer technical staff on board. Initial reports confirm that the boat has been severely holed and has lost her rig, fortunately with no injuries. Its too early to ascertain whether Hugo Boss will be repaired in time for the race start, but it is certain that this is a devastating setback to what was one of the best prepared campaigns in the race. More details on the Alex Thomson website.
Hugo Boss all set for Vendee start « Sailing Chat said
[...] dramatic preperation for the Vendee Globe race of any of the competitors. The well publicised collision with a French trawler left Hugo Boss extensively damaged and only an incredible display of effort and organisation was [...]