Fishing boat collides with Hugo Boss

Disaster for Alex Thomson's Vendee Globe campaign

At 2.30am this morning Alex Thomson's Open 60 Hugo Boss was struck by a 60ft fishing vessel. The incident happened just 2 miles outside the harbour of Les Sables d’Olonne, the start port for the Vendee Globe.

At the time Hugo Boss was waiting to transfer some of the technical team onboard at daylight having just crossed the Channel from their homeport of Gosport, UK ready for the start of the Vendée Globe.

Hugo Boss was stationary with only its mainsail up when the fishing vessel struck. The race boat was visible with its navigation lights, trim lights and a strobe light on. Its radar and AIS systems were also activated and working.

The fishing vessel, registered in France, struck Hugo Boss forward of the cap shroud on the starboard side, severely holing Hugo Boss and bringing the mast down. The mast and sails were cut away from the boat before they motored into les Sables d’Olonne to have the damage assessed.

Also onboard at the time of the incident with Alex was Boat Captain, Ross Daniel and Rigger, Giles Waterhouse. No-one onboard was injured.

“I’m devastated, but I’m glad everyone is okay,” said Alex Thomson, skipper Hugo Boss. Damage to Hugo Boss is currently being assessed.