THE STORY
During the 2016–2017 Vendée Globe, Alex Thomson's yacht, Hugo Boss, collided with an unidentified floating object in the South Atlantic on November 19, 2016, causing significant damage to its starboard foil. Despite the setback, Thomson maintained a lead in the race, ultimately finishing second to Armel Le Cléac'h on January 20, 2017, with a time of 74 days, 19 hours, 35 minutes, and 15 seconds.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Alex Thomson, Hugo Boss
WHY IT MATTERS
This incident highlighted the challenges solo sailors face in the Southern Ocean, emphasizing the risks associated with high-speed solo ocean racing and the vulnerability of advanced racing yachts to submerged hazards.