BOSS Black Eyewear and Alex completed the Transat B to B.

21/12/2011
Padova (Italy), 21 December 2011 – On 15 December at 15:43 UTC Alex Thomson crossed the finish line, and successfully completed the Transat B to B, the 3,000 mile single-handed race across the Atlantic from St. Barts to a waypoint off the North-Western tip of Spain.

Early last week the race committee introduced a weather gate due to the development of a severe mid- Atlantic storm and decided to shorten the race. Not only did this decision push Alex into 6th, from 4th position, but, after an appeal, the race committee later awarded HUGO BOSS boat a redress, and Alex moved up the leader board to 4th place.

Alex took 10 days 1 hour 43 minutes to complete 3,424 nautical miles at an average speed of 14.16 knots. Commenting at the finish Alex said “I am very happy to have finished. This has been a challenging race with confused seas and very strong winds. Despite the changes to the course and my final position I am relieved to have successfully completed this important preparatory race for the Vendée Globe. It has been an excellent test for me and the boat and I am really happy with how we have both performed. I believe I was penalized by the course change and I made an application for redress which is normal practice in this situation.”

HUGO BOSS Sailing Team at the 66th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Now Alex has a few days before jumping on a plane, taking the helm of his IMOCA 60 in Sydney, and participating in the 66th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which starts on 26 December. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has confirmed that a quality international fleet of 89 yachts will set sail for Hobart to compete in this famous and grueling race across the waters of Sydney Harbour, the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River. On a course of 628 nautical miles the fastest race was in 2005 when Wild Oats XI crossed the finish line after 1 day 18 hours 40 minutes 10 seconds.

Alex Thomson is sailing with the support of HUGO BOSS and BOSS Black Eyewear. The sunglasses and eyeglasses collections are designed, manufactured and distributed by Safilo under license.

In the BOSS Black Eyewear collections, Safilo has launched the special model "ALEX 99" (BOSS 0338/S and BOSS 0338/N/S) and in its wake the new sunglasses BOSS 0393/S and BOSS 0392/S within the sailing sponsorship activities of HUGO BOSS. All these styles are part of the BOSS Black Eyewear Collection.

“ALEX 99” are the official sunglasses worn by Alex Thomson and his crew. The aerodynamic injected frame is personalized by a metal logo insert on the outside, whilst inside the wording “ALEX 99” can be seen showing the first name of the skipper and the boat number. The models are also available with polarized lenses offering excellent visual quality that eliminates all reflections, perfect for outdoor sports. The lightweight and comfortable shield sunglasses, such as BOSS 0393/S and BOSS 0392/S, with their wrap-around shape also flaunt a decidedly sporty design and are ideal for sports activities but also for everyday wear.

About HUGO BOSS
The sponsorship portfolio of HUGO BOSS focuses on three major sports; Golf, Formula 1 and Sailing, as well as other sponsorship interests, which already include Tennis (Davis Cup) and Football (Mario Gomez). In sailing, HUGO BOSS gets another platform to demonstrate its fashion competence both on the boat and shore-side. HUGO BOSS provides Alex and the crew with highly functional outfits for all possible weather conditions around the globe and dresses the crew for every celebration function in the smartest possible way.

Alex Thomson key facts
One of Britain's most talented sailors - having set two world records, Thomson is the youngest skipper ever to win a round the world race. Date of birth: 18th April 1974 - Place of birth: Bangor, North Wales - Lives: Titchfield, Hampshire- Title Sponsor: HUGO BOSS- Yacht: IMOCA 60 HUGO BOSS- Sailing: 16 years experience - Next Event: Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2011 - Inspiration: Sir Keith Mills. Alex met Sir Keith during the 1999 Clipper Round the World Race and together they founded Alex Thomson Racing in 2003.

Press Office:
Safilo, Milano tel. +39.02.76020154, Padova +39.049.6985111, email pressoffice@safilo.com
ISM Italia, tel. +39.02.733403, email abagno@ismitalia.it
Web: www.alexthomsonracing.co.uk, www.transatbtob-imoca.org, http://rolexsydneyhobart.com, www.hugoboss.com, www.safilo.com



































Last update: 22/12/2011, 14:55