Another development in Alex Thomson’s race to get to the start line, emerged after 2-3 days of extensive sea trials of the repaired HUGO BOSS. Yesterday the team uncovered a potential problem with the main halyard.
“Following the sea trials we were able to confirm that structurally HUGO BOSS is fine. The issue with the halyard only came to light after some time on the water sailing, and fortunately for us, we were able to get the boat out sailing in enough time to identify the issue.“ Said Harry McGougan, Operations Manager HUGO BOSS
The alloy chaff plate within the HUGO BOSS mast, was corroded from the time the mast spent on the sea bed, following the collision. This corrosion was causing chaffing to the main halyard inside the mast. The difficulty for the team was they were unable to see the problem inside the mast – and the shore team divised an ingenious solution.
They used halyards covered in hard jackets, which were wound up and down under load with the aim to polish the chaff plates, and prevent the chaffing.
Continuously for 15 hours (throughout last night), the team devised a shift system to hoist the halyard up and down the mast, a total of 1800 times. This has effectively smoothed the corroded area.
This hoisiting represented 50% of the wear and tear the halyard would experience during the 26,000 miles around the world, and the team are happy with the results to the halyard during this polishing and testing.
“For the amount of wear it has received, the halyard has come out with the acceptable level of chaffing. We are going to be spending the next few days ensuring more precautions are implemented and we will be checking all the other chaffing systems within the boat. The general boat preparation is coming along well, we still expect to be ready to hit the start line.” Concluded Harry.
Whilst most Open 60 skippers are preparing mentally for the ‘Everest of the sea’ the 26,000 solo non stop round the world race, for Alex it has been a turbulent few weeks, including utter devastation straight after the damage, to the high of HUGO BOSS returning to the water in record time. After what could be one of the most miraculous repair stories in the Vendée Globe history, Alex is able to focus on little else but getting to the startline this Sunday:
“Until the incident with the fishing vessel, I felt as prepared as I have ever been for a race. I felt physically strong, mentally ready and after completing the Barcelona World Race in second position and breaking the world distance record - I felt I had a strong chance of becoming the first British skipper to win the Vendée. Since the accident – all I have been able to think and focus on is getting HUGO BOSS repaired in time for the Vendée start.” Alex Thomson, HUGO BOSS Skipper
The technical team from Alex Thomson racing were drafted in to help get Alex and HUGO BOSS to the start line. Sir Keith Mills (Chairman of Alex Thomson Racing) brought in support staff from Team ORIGIN in the form of Team Director Mike Sanderson, Shore Operations Director David Duff and others to assist Alex in making the start line a reality. In addition, specialists from around Europe and the UK worked on the project. At the peak of the repair over 40 people were working, separated into the repairs to the hull and repairs on the rigging. The team worked alongside Pascal Conq the designer at Finot Conq, structural engineer Dr. Paolo Manganelli from SP and Multiplast in Vannes to plan and deliver repair project. The local support Alex received meant he was able to complete the initial repairs to the hull and mast. But also people have been working to get HUGO BOSS on the start line throughout the world.
“If this incident had occurred anywhere else in the world, I believe I wouldn’t have had a chance in making it to the start line. But because of the passion of local people and businesses, and the dedicated support from the Vendee organisation - the unthinkable may happen.” Concluded Alex Thomson.
