Alex Thomson has confirmed he will be taking part in the 2020 Vendée Globe.
He wants a rematch after coming second in the edition which is finishing these days, beaten by his French rival, Armel le Cléac’h, by 16 hours.
The decision was announced live during a recent interview on BBC. ” But only after getting permission from my wife” the sailor said.
” Taking part in Vendée was a sacrifice for whole my family”, the 42-year English sailor said, even if modern day communication made it a little easier.
” My son, Oscar – the skipper explained – was very upset at the first two weeks of the race. His school gave me a little cuddly turtle called Speedy so I thought I would let it take part to the experience and I took some little videos every week, a sort of educational videos to amuse Oscar and his friends”.
Asked if we would be doing the challenge in the same Hugo Boss, Thomson said it would depend on a possible race rule change next April.
The sailor admitted that he was “not back into normal life yet” after the gruelling challenge and the strong emotions following his arrival in Les Sables d’Olonne after 74 days alone at the sea.
“It’s quite daunting when you’re on your own for so long – Thomson explained – and then you find thousands of people welcoming you; it was very daunting but quickly I go to it”. So, in order to make a return to normal life easier, Alex Thomson will enjoy a sailing holiday with his wife and children in the Caribbean next month.
