British Vendee madness

Brian Thompson attends wife Nathalie's birthday

Record-breaking yachtsman, Brian Thompson, who is currently competing in the Vendée Globe on board his boat Bahrain Team Pindar, was determined not to miss out on his wife’s birthday celebrations, despite being in the in the middle of the Atlantic. As a romantic birthday surprise, he organised for musicians from the Royal Marines Association to deliver gifts and serenade Nathalie with ‘Happy Birthday’ on the doorstep of their family home, accompanied by a life sized cardboard cut out of himself (we look forward to seeing this appear in the Daily Mail...)

The celebrations were far from flat when an elated Nathalie and their two young children Genevieve (3) and Tristan (18 months), later enjoyed a traditional birthday tea party, speaking to the ‘real’ Brian at sea on board his boat Bahrain Team Pindar, while his cardboard stand-in looked on.

Wife Nathalie commented: "I got the shock of my life when I saw Brian on the doorstep, but it was a wonderful surprise and a very romantic gesture. We all miss him so much. It’s been a difficult three months without him, but we’re starting to get very excited about him coming home.

“I felt quite guilty when I told him we were tucking into the delicious cake and champagne he’d sent, knowing that he only has freeze-dried food left on board. He said he’s looking forward to some home-cooking, fresh fruit and vegetables, a cold beer and a nice bath!”

Meanwhile across the water from Cowes, at the end of last weekend, the following song was sung at the school of Mike Golding's son, Soren:

On December the 15th, Mike Golding was in the lead, yeah!
30 knots was the Ecovers' speed!

But a storm was unfolding, for the sailor Mike Golding,
The power of nature he was beholding.

Early next morning, along came a blast,
Too strong for the main sails, then SNAP! Went the mast!

Our hands we were folding in prayers for Mike Golding,
Please Lord keep him safe, and his courage upholding.

Now he is back home, and soon is his Yacht,
The children of of year one have learned such a lot!

So we thank you Mike Golding, young sailors you're moulding,
And the Ecover builders . . . are in for a scolding!

ARRANGED BY IAIN REID
WORDS ALISON GET

So there.