Replacement crew

Alex Thomson's brother steps in to co-skipper Team Mowgli in the Portimão Global Ocean Race

British yachtsman, David Thomson (brother of Alex), has joined Team Mowgli as co-skipper for the Portimão Global Ocean Race which sets sail from Portimão, Portugal on October 12. Thomson will replace Victoria Sanders-Perrin who has given up her berth on board the Class 40 yacht for personal reasons. Thomson’s impressive sailing resume strengthens the double-handed team, and along with fellow Brit Jeremy Salvesen, they are certain to be a top contender for the race.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to join Team Mowgli,” Thomson said. “I have been working alongside Jeremy and Victoria for months as shore crew and have been envious of them as they readied for the race around the world. It was always planned that I would be able to step in and sail on board the boat if either Jeremy or Victoria were forced to withdraw and while I was not expecting it to happen, I welcome the opportunity and challenge.”

Thomson has vast offshore sailing experience including at one point holding four world records as crew on board the giant catamaran Playstation. He has also been an integral part of the top Open 60 campaign Hugo Boss skippered by Thomson’s brother Alex. In fact later this year both David and Alex will find themselves in the same Southern Ocean waters as David competes in the Portimão Global Ocean Race, and Alex in the Vendée Globe solo, non-stop around the world race.

“As our eclectic group of sailors are discovering - the toughest part of any round the world race can be getting to the start line. We are hugely disappointed for Victoria but Team Mowgli, and ourselves, are fortunate that David Thomson has agreed to step up to the plate” said Race Director Josh Hall.

Team Mowgli has been in Portugal for a few days preparing for the race along with Kazimir/Ocean Warrior and the Dutch entry Hayai. They will be joined by the rest of the fleet tomorrow when the event formally opens in Portimão.