Gala launch for Hugo Boss

German fashion industry turns out for unveiling of Alex Thomson's new Open 60

In Hamburg last night leading menswear brand Hugo Boss, sponsor of Alex Thomson's Open 60 campaign, laid on an impressive gala evening for their suppliers, press and VIPs where Thomson's new boat was unveiled. The all-black 'batboat' was suspended over the Elbe and then hoisted high into the air by a crane accompanied by a light show.

Aside from legions of 6ft tall blond supermodels, also in attendance were the scarily big Ukrainian boxing world champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko. Sadly, no doubt due to the McLaren F1 team's recent fining of £46 million for alleged spying, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, also recipients of Hugo Boss sponsorship, were no shows.

More photos on the following pages....