Sailor Alex Thomson forced into emergency boat repairs after reporting structural damage during Vendee Globe round the world race

On the 13th day of the solo round the world Vendee Globe race, the Gosport-based sailor discovered structural damage to his £5.5m Hugo Boss yacht.

At the time, on Saturday evening, he was approximately 800 miles east of Rio de Janeiro in the South Atlantic ocean.

Back on dry land, Thomson’s team of structural engineers and architects worked through the night to come up with a repair programme.

Ross Daniel, Thomson’s Technical Director, explained: ‘While Alex was carrying out a routine inspection, he spotted what he believed to be some structural damage in the bow area of the boat.

‘He immediately notified myself and the team on shore, and we provided clear instructions to allow him to carry out a full inspection of the damage.

‘That inspection has revealed some structural damage to a longitudinal beam at the front of the boat. The damage appears to be isolated to that area alone.

‘It is yet unclear what caused this damage. There have been no incidents of concern onboard the boat during the race so far.

‘Together with our structural engineers and naval architects, we worked through the night to put together a full repair plan for Alex.’

Thomson put Hugo Boss ‘into a safe position to manage the sea state in order to reduce movement onboard while he carries out the repair.

‘He has all the necessary materials onboard, a detailed plan to follow, and a team of world class engineers advising him.

‘We are therefore confident in his ability to complete the repair.

‘Our objective is to carry out the necessary repair swiftly and effectively, in order to minimise the miles lost and resume racing again.’

Thomson, aiming to become the first non-French winner of the Vendee Globe, had spent most of last week leading the 24,500 nautical mile race.

As of 5pm today, he was in third place - around 210 nautical miles adrift of leader Thomas Ruyan.

Charlie Dalin was second, around 23 nautical miles behind the leader.

Portsmouth-born Samantha Davies was the highest-placed of the record six-strong female entry, in 10th place around 410 nautical miles behind Ruyan.