Gosport sailor Alex Thomson ‘broken’ after Vendee Globe dream is shattered

The Gosport-sailor had started his fifth Vendee race as one of the favourites following his runner-up spot in the 2016/17 event.

But after making repairs to damage to the bow of his £5.5m yacht Hugo Boss, the luckless 46-year-old has been forced to retire following a second technical issue that struck at the weekend.

‘It’s taken me a few days to digest my thoughts before I could speak,’ Thomson said in an emotional video update.

‘Normally I’m a very positive person but if I’m honest right now I feel pretty broken.

‘For the best part of 20 years this race has been my goal. We’ve come so close before and this time I really thought it was possible.

‘I have the boat of my dreams and we have put together a campaign I’m extremely proud of. Despite the setbacks of the last week I still thought it was possible - to win, or at the very least finish.

‘I’ve given my life to this sport and it’s a very difficult pill to swallow.’

It is the third time Thomson has been forced to retire from the Vendee, a 24,500 nautical mile solo race he has described as the toughest in world sport.

‘So many people have supported me along the way, and to pick up the phone and deliver the news … well, it’s just heartbreaking.

‘This sport, this race, is just so tough. Things can change so quickly, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s so challenging, and that’s why I’ve given a large part of my life to it.

‘The messages of support from the fans have been incredible, I really don’t feel worthy. But also from the other skippers and their teams, your words have really touched me. I sincerely hope you all make it to the finish.

‘But for now I need to concentrate on getting this beautiful boat home, get to Cape Town safely and there I will officially retire from the race.

‘The last thing I need to say is ‘thank you’ to everybody who has supported me. To my team, thank you for your dedication and hard work, I know you couldn’t have done more.

‘I couldn’t quite make history this time round but I can tell you I gave it everything, everything I’ve got.’

Thomson is the second of the 33-strong fleet that started the ninth edition of the Vendee to retire.

Frenchman Charlie Dalin, in his first Vendee race, is currently leading by almost 250 nautical miles from countryman Thomas Ruyan.

Portsmouth-born Samantha Davies is 12th, around 540 nautical miles adrift of the leader.