Shade Station received the privilege of being invited by Hugo Boss Watches to Cowes for the once in a lifetime opportunity of being able to get on Alex Thomson’s Hugo Boss Racing Boat. Alex Thomson recently smashed the world record for ‘West to East Ambrose Lighthouse to Lizard Point Under 60ft Single-Handed Monohull Record, Male’ by over 24 hours! The 38 year old sailor crossed the line at 17:17GMT which set the new time at 8 days 22 hours 8 minutes, beating the previous record, which had been held for 10 years. “When I set off I had no idea if I was going to be able to do it.” Alex explained, “And it has been hard. Lack of sleep, broken instruments on the boat and constant exposure to the elements has really taken it out of me. But it’s such a good feeling to have beaten it by such a great margin”.

After Alex’s incredible feat, he took the boat to Cowes to have some special guests peruse the boat and we were excited to be invited! Whilst on the boat, we experienced exactly what it would be like to live in such cramped conditions, and thankfully Alex Thomson himself was there to explain how to survive…unfortunately this did also mean having to eat dehydrated meat! The inside of the boat is a technical marvel, every inch of hull and every piece of equipment has been designed to withstand the harshest conditions, whilst providing the sailor with ease of use and downright speed. The entire boat is made from carbon fibre to ensure that the best possible times are produced and this particular boat had already been around the world 3 times!

Speaking to Alex Thomson, it was clear to see that he owed a lot of his success to Hugo Boss and his BOSS Regatta Watch which was one instrument that he cannot be without. The built in racing-timer is an essential tool when on the water and the durable silicone strap ensures comfortable usage for anything you might want to do…like sail around the world. Alex is in fact lining up to attempt to be the first Brit ever to win the monolithic single-handed round-the-world race, the Vendee Globe, leaving from France in November on board his 60ft monohull ship! On average, only 50% of runners ever actually finish this grueling race know as the ‘Everest of Sailing’. But his incredibly advanced watch and the support from Hugo Boss certainly puts him in good stead to complete this race. All in all it felt amazing to be on such a record breaking piece of technological prowess and we owe it all to Hugo Boss’ fantastic hospitality.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and daily updates!

__________________________________________________________________________