This video is more heartbreaking than the abandon itself to me. These days following you on the VG were the most entertaining days of the year to me. What a legend, to be able to repair a broken boat in the middle of the ocean, take position against bullying while racing one of the most difficult race in the world... This was a wild ride, and i want to thank you and the team from the bottom of my heart, not only for the race but for all the years you put in this project. Alex, I don't know if you will read this but you were and still are an inspiration. You helped me grow as a man all these years with your perseverance, talent, resilience etc. I wish you, and all the people who took part in this project all the happiness in the world. Thank you so much.
@@mathieupinsart6420 yeah, would love to see him continue the race even disqualified and make it back to Les Sables, I'll even come back from Marseille to greet him. Haven't sailed this year due to studies so i was sailing by procuration with Alex. A great man.
Alex you've inspired me and so many others beyond measure. Your race was not in vain. Your cheerfulness in adversity, you kindness to your team and fans, and your incredible courage to sail into storms (real or metaphorical) will stay with us all. You have our deepest respect and admiration.
The BOSS will return! On to the next race Alex, been watching you for about 5 years now...my son and I were keeping close track of this race, we are hurting with you.
Quite right, the seas of South Africa are known for freak waves. I think they're a bit further east though, something to do with wind and currents, so hopefully Alex won't encounter them on the way to Cape Town. I hope no one else encounters them either
Gutted to hear the news you are retiring from the race. We all feel so sorry for you and the team. Hard to get you head around this at the moment but remember what doesn't break you makes you stronger. Don't give up on winning this one day Alex. Lets see the BOSS back for 2024.
I am French and yet I think you deserved so much to win because you are humble and you always had a kind word for your opponents ... You are and you will remain the best ...
One accomplishment that has not been mention. Alex Thomson has opened the Vendee Globe race to world. I for one will not think of the vendee globe race without the thought of Alex Thomson. His courage. determination, and seamanship is inspiring to all. Thank you Alex Thomson!!
Bravo bravo Alex : you are MORE than worthy of our love and support . The ability to speak to us all around the globe while you are in the throes of such a difficult time shows your character as a penultimate individual, supremely gifted sailor and athlete and more . We know it must be devastating for you ; if you can, think how many of us stand beside you, and how through this terrible disappointment, we are cheering you forward regardless . We know there are stupendous things still to come for you . Sending respect and much more as you steer yourself to safe harbor for now.
You are such an example, so inspiring in many ways... Not winning VG yet, but you won countless hearts. (Even French ones can you believe it!) I hope to see you back with the smile, I really hope you will win the VG. You deserve it so much. Be safe on the way home!
Yeah, unfortunately, he was a lead designer. It sucks, because with this much money and all the egos, it is tough to stick to science and reason. Designers clash with sponsors, clash with engineers, clash with the star skipper, clash with the builders, clash with the... I see it in my professions all the time.
this man has shaped the sport more than almost anyone else, and he is a huge inspiration for so many people. He's arguably the reason why many of his competitors are even there, by inspireing them, supporting them, driving the innovations of their boats and showing their sponsors that there can be something in it for them. He may not have won any major IMOCA races, but he's still one of the geatest skippers in the history of the class. A great sailor and a great man.
(...) but I can tell you one thing " I gave everything, everything I've got". Merci Alex Thomson. Vous inspirez des millions de Français dans l'adversité. Keep the faith.
Alex, I really hope we see you back in 4 years time. It would be heartbreaking not to see you there in 4 years. Safe passage to Capetown. You have been amazing. our thoughts are with you.
It must have been really tough to make this video, thanks for doing it Alex. Someone will go on to win but to me it doesn't really matter who now. I'm gutted about this and I can't even imagine how you, your family, friends and team are feeling. It seems the other skippers feel the race won't be the same without you and your beautiful baby. I can only hope you'll recover from this and will both be back
Anybody who has been following Vendée Globe and your Hugo Boss campaign you will always be a winner in our minds. The work you did fixing the bow, working four nights in hellish conditions does show how resilient and determined you are. Most people would have thrown in the towel then, but you didn’t. You are right in saying that if it was not for the rudder you may have had a chance in winning this race. I hope Hugo Boss continue to sponsor you for 2024. The energy you bring to the Vendée Globe is infectious and over the 20 years you have personally transformed the race into an F1 sprint around the world with you innovative boat. Thank you for sharing with us your thoughts. See in in 2024, no doubt about it.....
In this age where almost everything has been discovered, skied, climbed or sailed, the vendee globe is one of the last few endeavors for heroes. It involves financial risk, physical risk, and takes so much commitment. Thank you Alex for taking us with you on this adventure with your videos. We'll miss these updates. Wish you a safe return. I wouldn't worry too much about the sponsors.. they knew the risks and I suspect they have had tremendous visibility already, even more than if you had cruised to a 1st place. Hope to follow you again in 4 years, eric
Alex, we as a keen sailing family found you such a great inspiration as we followed your race - preparation and loved to be with you on board of your beautiful Hugo Boss. We were so, so sorry for you as you had to repair your bow - structure and felt with you as you showed us your repair efforts. As we heard of your rudder failure, we felt all very deeply sorry for you. And I just can say - your strength even now - is a great inspiration for us all. Something, our children can learn from. You’re really a hero - stay strong, Alex! With deepest respect, Ralph and family
Alex, I was so looking forward to seeing you win this one, and I was devastated when you had to drop out. You’re a true gentleman, and a hell of a sailor. Come back and win the next VG! All my best, Lance in Canada. SV Great Escape - Newport 30
Absolutely gutted for you Alex. You are a fantastic sailor and a pleasure to watch. Keep your head high. Winner of the Vendée Globe 2024 has a better ring to it anyway!! #allezalex
Unimaginable how hard this must be. Be proud of what you have accomplished and how hard you and your team pushed. You've brought the race to many many more people than would have otherwise have watched it. It'll be hard to watch the race without you in it. Safe sailing home.
Very sorry to hear Alex but your sefety comes first !!! I also shed a tear myself , but in 4 years there will be another Vendee and I really hope to see you again . Sincere greetings from Belgium !!!
Your message of confidence and energy for all of us is stronger than ever in these difficult days. If you didn't break up today, then I can certainly manage to find solutions to my problems in my so ordinary life. For this message, thank you Alex. Next time will be the right one for you. You deserve it so much.
Listened to the heartbreak in your voice Alex. I think all your fans thought that this was to be your year. Everyone else has used up the words to describe my feelings. You're a brave and accomplished sailor and you'll be back. Take care on your way to CT. So proud of our Bangor lad!
Be safe, stay healthy, and remember that this is not the end, only a pause! I can't imagine the disappointment, but having followed you for many years, I know that your incredible spirit will overcome this and you will come out stronger and your team will continue to keep Hugo Boss on the cutting edge of sailing technology! I look forward to many more years 'virtually' racing with Alex Thomson!
You are a true inspiring role model Alex, I loved watching your updates. Get back to Capetown savely and to quote Nelson Mandela: " I never loose, I win or learn:"
I had never paid attention to this type of sailing before stumbling upon this event. Frankly, the Vendée Globe wasn't on my radar and I don't know the America's Cup from the World Cup. What grabbed my attention was your enthusiasm and dedication to the sport and great attitude in general. I'm sorry to see you have to retire from this race, but please know you've gained a fan who looks forward to your next adventure. You rock man!
From Benjamin, 10 years old, who spent these last days following you and supporting you everyday. He couldn’t talk about anything else than the race during these last days and was a big fan of the boss !! : « Don’t worry, for me you won the race, the boss will always be there » He now wants to became a skipper. And started to prepare himself for that ! Thanks for making him dreaming every day ! We will now wait for the next boss’ race !!!
you make us proud Alex, what a great ambassador for UK sailing, safe trip to Cape Town, wasn't meant to be this time but you certainly gave it your best! Good luck for the next adventure!
I'm heartbroken for you Alex. I've been there with a similarly cutting edge project in world motorsport. It seems devastating on the moment, replaying all of the moves, exhaustion released from it's cage, trying to face working out what happens next. It sucks so bad. Huge respect to you and everyone in your team, especially the guys on the design and engineering teams who will be as bust up about it as you. No-one gets involved in a project like this because they're a nine-to-fiver. Think of the data you've now got as a team, it's priceless. Please use it to come back a with stronger, meaner, BOSS! It's a new day tomorrow. All the best from the SouthWest, stay safe..
Your dedication, focus and strength are a testament to us all. You will all be stronger from this. Safe journey back Alex, you have made us all very proud.
Words like ‘legend’ and ‘hero’ get thrown about a lot these days but very, very few are worthy of the accolade. Alex, you are truly one of those very few.
So sad to hear your abandon, I'm french and I was rooting for you, you could've win it and tell about the VG around the globe. I hope you'll be back in 4 years
I cannot speak to what you haven't done, for I wouldn't fully understand what it would mean, but what I can speak to is how you've inspired me. In the last 3 years I've been following you, you've shown me relentless dedication and hard work, and I thank you for that.
Mate, you are a champion, when you pick yourself up come back on line and have a chat.... you are an inspiration to MILLIONS, come back again. Never give up we love you!!!!
Alex: You have endlessly been pushing the other campaigns to the limit by being at the very top yourself. Without you and 'The Boss' this race - and the sport - wouldn't be the same. Cheers.
So sad for you, your family and all your team, sponsors and supporters. We have been treated to your brilliant efforts, but all over so soon. Very best wishes
Thank you Alex for being such a great inspiring person! You deserve and are more than worthy of all the support you can possibly get! Please be safe. Cheers!
Real heartbreak but even in hard moments we are staying behind you. You made your best and i hope we can see you in 4 years at the start line. REAL LEGEND 💪
Alex you've inspired a whole generation of young sailors with you way of sailing, always wanting to surpass yourself. You are and always will be the best sailor in the world. And for that thank you Alex. The Boss will Be back
