Amazing find in Chile

NEARLY 10 years after Alex Thomson was forced to abandon his Hugo Boss sponsored yacht in 2007, a kayaker has discovered its hull whilst on an expedition in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park in a remote part of southern Chile.

According to estimates, it is believed that the wreck must have travelled about 13,000 miles before being washed aground at its final destination where it was discovered by Cristian Donoso.

Skipper Thomson had no option other than to abandon his yacht whilst 33 days into the round-the-world Velux 5 Oceans race due to it capsizing after damage to the keel.

 Almost 1,000 miles away from land and trying to survive a force eight gale, he had to rely on the charity of his friend and competitor Mike Goulding, also taking part in the race, who turned back and picked him up, although his yacht was later damaged and had to pull out of the race, taking the pair to Cape Town.

Now that the hull has been found, Alex Thomson has said he will ask local authorities to assist in making the yacht safe so that it can then be returned to his team.