Thomson sets new solo transatlantic record

A new solo transatlantic record on the eve of the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games has been set by Alex Thomson. He crossed the finishing line in his 60-foot Hugo Boss at The Lizard, off Cornwall having covered the 2,800 miles from Ambrose Light New York in 8d 22h 8m.

This beat Switzerland's Bernard Stamm's record, set in Armor Lux and which has stood for 10 years, by over 24 hours.

"When I set off, I had no idea if I was going to be able to do it, and it has been hard," said a jubilant Thomson. "Lack of sleep, broken instruments, and constant exposure to the elements have really taken it out of me."

His secondary aim was to finish in time to add to the celebrations of his backer Sir Keith Mills, deputy chairman of LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) as the opening celebrations take place in London.

Thomson goes on to take part in the Vendee Globe, the singlehanded solo non-stop round the world race which starts from Les Sables d'Olonne on November 10.