Alex spent his childhood living near the coast, where he developed a love for the sea, and developed a natural affinity for watersports. But it wasn’t until he was 24 years old that Alex’s offshore sailing career started, when he was fortunate to join Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on a trip to Greenland, a tricky passage which involved navigating through icebergs in the Artic Ocean. Sir Robin soon became Alex’s mentor and he was lucky to learn from the best.
At age 25, Alex went on to skipper an amateur crew in the Clipper Race, becoming the youngest skipper ever to win a round-the-world regatta in 1999. Following his success, Alex went on to form Alex Thomson Racing, with the ambition to compete and win the Vendee Globe, a solo, non-stop, no assistance, race around the world, and the pinnacle event in offshore sailing. The 26,000 mile race takes sailors to the most remote oceans on the planet, and is known for being so tough that only half of sailors that start the race, cross the finish line. After securing title partner HUGO BOSS in 2003, Alex went on to compete in five consecutive Vendee Globe campaigns, finishing 3rd in 2013 and 2nd in 2017, and becoming the fastest Brit to sail solo, non-stop around the world.
Throughout his career, Alex has broken numerous world records, as well continuously being recognised as a leader in innovation and design in the IMOCA class. In 2021 Alex announced he was taking a step back from racing solo round the world, but remains passionate about the sport, and will continue to promote, tell the story and share his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Alex lives in Jersey with his wife Kate and two children and spends his spare time on the water or on the beach with his family. Alex is also a skilled kite-surfer.
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