Onboard Update: Sailing once again!

[@johnswanson6790]

“I have no idea what I’m doing.” So humble and candid, and POSITIVE under trying circumstances. Alex is a straight up good guy.

[@jean-pierredeclemy7032]

We really appreciate you taking the time to make these recordings explaining the situation and showing the work in progress. I would probably be too engrossed in getting it done to remember to film the process. Stay strong!

[@BlueLineSpeed]

Well done Alex. I’ve just emailed BBC News telling them to get their act together and to give you the coverage, support and encouragement you deserve. Your positivity is exactly what everyone needs, especially in 2020! Alex is a national icon and deserves to be lauded for everything he stands for.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

You are so right. They report absolute rubbish and this guy is going through it with a smile. Deserves a slot on the TV every day. Wish more schools could show this to the kids. Inspirational..

[@BlueLineSpeed]

@@AndyUK-Corrival Thanks Andy. Let’s hope they listen! P.s. Love the Rival 32, lovely sheer line. Bit more classy than my Sigma. (+No carbon repairs for us...)

[@andrewcorrie8936]

BBC not interested in anything like this sadly.

[@MrSilverdragonlite]

Totally agree. Mainstream media has been rubbish. Problem is sailing is still seen as an elitist sport and doesn't get the coverage.

[@MrBlacknass]

I could agree more. TV is only for bad news. Cheers from Greece. I see we sail similar era boats. Colvic UFO 27 from 1978. Haha. No carbon fiber at all. 3 Mt of fiberglass.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Amazing attitude you’ve kept, you are an inspiration for more than just sailing, you sir are a true gentleman

[@gontran8638]

Best notification of the day, still a lot more to go, the boat is stronger and the motivation too I hope. I feel surprisingly more confident in Alex's win now...and I hope I am not wrong

[@gontran8638]

this did not age well

[@charlessmyth1339]

Great news, confident you’ll be back up at the front soon

[@breizizel3256]

COM ON ALEX ! Y 'OUR THE BEST !!!!

[@johnhutchison2268]

I love your positive attitude. I hope your clips are shared with school kids the world over.

[@marcoGwada971]

I'am french but I've been following this guy for years. Saw him in guadeloupe in 2018 for the Route du Rhum, after he unlikely lost that race. He really is one of a kind: a straight, strong and determined guy. I hope he's going to be able to catch up and that he will win the race. Go Alex, go !

[@jlewis3013]

Alex should be nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year IMO.

[@michaels0510243]

The only reason why he wouldn't be is because it's not main-stream enough. Lewi$ Hamilton will probably win it again.

[@alexandermenck6609]

@@michaels0510243 Next time Hamilton laminates the front-wing during the race: I’ll give him the credits. Otherwise: No.

[@thierrybouchez7437]

quel fantastic guy ! Nous sommes tous (les français!) très admiratifs de tout ce que vous réalisez. Très bonne continuation ; très bonne course .

[@moonshine3333]

Bons mots. Mots bon? Mots bons? Mots bonnes? 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪👍 Je pense vous comprenez 😊

[@thierrybouchez7437]

@@moonshine3333 Yes !

[@breizizel3256]

Oui alors t'es le meilleur et tellement plus sympa ! Avec ton bateau magnifique !!

[@vincentleroy188]

Pas tous....je suis vraiment désolé pour nous (français) quand je vois le "bashing" sur les articles le concernant sur l équipe.fr (par exemple)

[@breizizel3256]

@@moonshine3333 pffff ... stéril

[@damienmcbratney3197]

Fantastic news. Happy day Ben you have an dedicated team of followers that love each update. God Bless.

[@aymeric2803]

You're an inspiration Alex! Your sportsmanship and courage is always outstanding from all the races I've been following you. Keep it going and best of luck in the southern ocean.

[@chrissyboi88b]

Please keep the updates coming, some of us are on the edge of our seat's, knowing the crap you have had to deal with especially the last Vendée. I love your positive spirit it makes me smile. Just think how much sweeter the victory after your 2 days of cutting and grinding.

[@reotime1184]

Nothing but truly impressed with your intensity completing those repairs. I live on my sailboat the last 16 years and know one - there is nothing as efficient and focused as a sailor at sea in a "broken" boat. You are epic.

[@eek4444thesecond]

💪 most positive video ive seen in while! reckon we can all learn a lot from this bloke. Allez Alex!

[@elkkabaker3063]

The positivity is awesome, a great role model for my little ones and all of us; undertaking such a challenging race and dealing with the adversities with such a positive outlook.

[@Mal1ntha]

I agree

[@brentillstrademe1150]

You are a legend. Being able to keep such a positive outlook in this situation is a lesson to us all. The very best of luck to you Alex,, and to echo other posts, thanks for taking the time to check in.

[@jegjeg4530]

Great news. I am happy that you are back on track. I appreciate your positive attitude. It is really inspiring. Keep on rolling.

[@johnhart29]

Terrific honesty from Alex and Hugo Boss. Thanks for sharing and treating us all with respect. Incredibly inspirational. I'm still backing you to win!

[@johnvanslykejr.8033]

What an absolutely amazing guy in so many ways. Fabulous example and role model for everyone, not just in sailing.

[@cubitus92]

Thank you Alex sharing all these videos with us. You are a great sailor and a formidable competitor. I hope you’’ll be quickly at the front of the race challenging the first boats. All the best.

[@charnwooduk]

These last few videos are a fascinating insight into the engineering in these yachts. I'd love to see more features in future, on how they are built and the technology used to sail them :) It's also great to see the comradery between the competitors. The messages of support between them as they tackle the elements and issues is a true example of sportsmanship! Good luck Alex and everyone else in the race!

[@clipper747pa2]

you are unbelievable! ....always looking on the bright side of life you are the “right stuff’!!!!

[@tophatter15]

Well done Sir. The harder you work, the luckier you get!!! Thank you for taking the time to do these videos! Cheers n beers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@thomaschetwood6249]

Fantastic news! You’ve shown extraordinary skill and tenacity in sorting this out in the middle of the south Atlantic and it’s great to see you back in the race. Thank you for making these videos: they are utterly compelling. Now go, go, go! We’re all rooting for you. 💪👍

[@philip4833]

Thanks Alex for taking us with you through your incredible journey! Such an inspiration and great reminder how important it is to stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Keep pushing Alex!!! We follow and feel with you every day

[@josianedalcourt6700]

Wonderful news Alex! Stay POSITIVE! that's the way to go! all will be fine, you are strong and have the best attitude! thank you for taking the time to show us what happened and the huge repair you are doing ! you are FABULOUS!!!!!! go go go Alex!!!!!!

[@EnricoPozzo]

So thrilled to hear this Alex! You are an inspiration in terms of how you are dealing with this physically and mentally!

[@rustie4242]

G'day Alex, thank you for the update, It is good to hear that your repairs will do the trick. I'm building a composite cat so I understand the dust and the mess, air flow in the forward compartment would make a huge difference. You are still in the fight and we following your every move, good luck Champ, cheers from Down Under, Rustie.

[@salzburgrichards407]

You’re positive attitude and smile are a delight. Best of luck catching up to, and surpassing, the leaders!

[@wyst69]

I'm so happy you're back in the race. You showed us how strong you are against adversity. You're not alone of course but you did what needed to be done and that's a relief for all your supporters.

[@kayspanger5914]

Hello alex! Stay strong. You are an outstanding example for optimism and real sportmanship! We cross fingers for you here in hamburg( watching day and night!). Well done the repair-you look fresher as wver( although you are not as we imagine!). Hugs and best regards from kay and all your friends at heinemann( we are a Hugo boss customer and met once in monte carlo and once at kieler woche!) all the best alex!

[@keithl9023]

Best of luck Alex, great to see you back in the race. Thanks for taking the time to do the updates. Looking forward to see the final repair. I have no doubt you will be back at the front in no time!!!!!

[@davidclutterbuck7076]

Absolutely delighted! I feel sorry for the rest of the leaders knowing you are going to be hounding them down!

[@paulfreeman9719]

Alex my daughter who is 18 years old and just started at Cardiff University is now telling everybody how brilliant you are and is totally engrossed in your race and your videos. You are her hero and inspiration she is even talking about joining a sailing club. That is simply the effect you have on people...................you are brilliant GO ALEX!!!! .................NASA called and have said they want you on their team to sort out the Moon and Mars programs.....................I told them you were busy and had a race to win and a dream to fulfill and couldn't take the job right now.

[@markb4656]

GREAT news Alex. Glad that you were able to make the necessary repairs to get underway again and I hope the rest of the repair goes well and that you will be able to sail at your safe top speeds. Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed when you most likely could use the time to rest up. Looking forward to seeing you cross the finish line.

[@hermanoomens5058]

Huge respect! What a great positive attitude in this challenging situation! Lets hope the effort pays off! 💪🏻

[@morganjamesconsulting7236]

Brilliant news Alex. Fantastic to hear that you're 'back in the race'. It's a long way to go and we have absolute faith in you. Now for finishing your fix and tidying up the boat!

[@philipflammersfeld1287]

You are truely an awesome inspiration to many. Always optimistic, giving it your best and at the same time proficient, good humored and generous in sharing it all with us. Thank you thank you thank you! Godspeed!

[@oikkuoek]

Salute to You, Sir! That was a definition of a quick fix. Remember, there is still all to play for. The race is not finished until you cross the finish line!

[@tcdossor]

Great work, Alex. Thanks for the update! Keep at it, and get back into racing hard. Let's see HB motor in the southern ocean and catch up those miles. Have a productive night!

[@colincampbell-dunlop498]

Well done Alex that is the best news I have had all day. Really love the positivity and it will pay you back with dividend for the remainder of the race. Good luck. Wishing you all the best

[@abrahamgamble8689]

Amazing work Alex! You got me into the Vendée and I am very happy that you are the one who did because you are so amazing and positive! Keep doing great I hope you get the position you deserve. ;)

[@Pfalzstoff]

it's so great to know you back in the Race and your positiv view to the situation.

[@simonjbutler]

Super impressed with your attitude. I wish you the best for the rest of the repair and better luck for the race👏👏

[@sleepbootbianca]

SIR Alex Thomsen! You are teaching me (again) the principale of staying positive n difficult times!! Thank you!!

[@hugothomas3449]

This guy is always an inspiration. He is the embodiment of this race and what sort of mind set you have to have to take part. Good work Alex 👏

[@davidwatson129]

Exhausted but a super happy positive Alex - shows what teamwork can accomplish!

[@davidlaw899]

What a legend. Love how positive you are. You can still bring this home. We are all routing for you. Par Ardua.

[@martmexpue]

Your attitude impresses me even more than your sailing skills :-) There is a lot to learn for me! All the best for you... and of course for all the others!

[@bdjm8595]

Well done to be underway again Alex, we're sending best wishes to you and the team and to all the competitors for a safe run and conclusion to the VG !!

[@trevormorris2665]

Awesome Alex. I am so happy for you and team. Cant wait for you to go full tilt. Appreciate all your Videos making us part of your journey. Go the BOSS!!

[@MrMillenium67]

Back racing, fantastic news! I am keeping everything crossed for you Alex that you don't have any more 'set-backs'. I hope that the weather is good for you and you're back up in front where you belong soon. Many thanks for the update and keep flying Hugo Boss. Fair winds! #AllezAlex

[@nigelrichardson6825]

Awesome to see you safe and up and running again. Even better to see you smiling. Keep safe, sail safe, and sail fast !

[@simonbell6310]

That is absolutely fantastic! Tender with the boat in those lighter conditions, complete your repairs and then away you go, you will up amongst it soon before you know it. Actually you will know full well. Top man.

[@patriciahutson]

Tumeke neh. well done young man, many young sailors will learn so much about preparation, planning and positive mind set. Great racing to come with a thrilling charge to regain your rightful place amongst the fleet. Kia Kaha Alex. UBIQUE

[@leonardbertaux6897]

Just fantastic Alex. Your attitude is amazing, your spirits are high and it’s soon going to be time to put the hammer down and get back after the leaders. Good luck to you sir and God speed.

[@SamLight]

Go on mate!!! Your still in the game. Inspirational!!

[@gregknipe8772]

thank you for these quality self interviews, starting with the those from the past few years a you prepare this boat, and your mind, for the challenge. all positive, all instructive. great material for any coaches and aspiring competitors in all ranges of sport. press on!!! the inspiration flows in all directions. even to your competitors. quality, perseverance, positive mental attitude. well balanced passion.

[@iainofcastleblack5113]

Your attitude and perspective is so life affirming! Good for you and good luck!

[@romainlb]

Incredible !! You're a great example of positive minded person for all of us ! Please please please Alex bring this lady at the first place as soon as you can !! I'm sending all my positive vibrations I get right now 🤜🤛

[@richardparish8835]

Good show, Alex! You’re indeed very fortunate to have the problem when you did. When I saw the damage on the structure I was amazed that you could repair it. It definitely could have been a catastrophic failure in the Southern Ocean. I’m sure it was an OMG moment when you discovered the damage.

[@karstensvenningsen8128]

Nice to hear how positive you are. Thats the right spirit.

[@rachelleinweber4592]

Thx to Alex for taking the time to show us the extent of the work he is now in the midst of - and for his great sportsmanship - finding the positives as he says - before anything ‘catastrophic’ happened . At all times in these messages, Alex is really composed and maintains his determination and clearly shows us all what a special competitor and person he is ! The last few days , his team at Boss made the right choice to allow the tens of thousands of us to share a bit of this difficult experience ; those of us who have been online watching Alex and his race for so long . We really do want to see and know whatever you can illustrate . All the best tonite and in the days ahead . #AllezAlex #AlexThomson #VendeeGlobe2020

[@rg3412]

That's the Yves Parlier attitude! Don't give up and get crackin'! We send you are best wishes from France, Alex! May you win this long race in the end!

[@SkiffMedia]

Such an awesome attitude Alex, total inspiration for what sporting conduct should look like. Keep up the work rate and get back in this thing. Well done to you and all the team.

[@AGRISALVACOFFEE]

Go Alex! our Hearts are with you. Amazing and inspiring to see you keep your spirits up. You will always be a winner in our eyes no matter the outcome. Finish the job and start running after those Frenchies... Bon Vent from Medellin, Colombia ( not too much Sailing in these parts)

[@andreaslenahan4416]

Phenomenal effort Alex! You are doing great! We are all proud of you and your team! Indeed we are also in debt to the technology and wonders of engineers + carbon fibre / sails etc + supremely positive skippers = total respect for you all and a great event to showcase role models and the importance of functioning teams! +1 thank you for video updates!

[@dirkdesiron3409]

Great news , great attitude! Keep on going, you are so inpiring! Thank you Alex

[@MAPinGB]

Great news, attitude and inspiration. A lesson for us all, head down and get on with it... then back in the race.

[@BStrapper]

Huge respect! Alex deserves to win this race.

[@nicolas.vallet]

It's awesome to see your determination man, I'm finger crossed and I hope everything will be fine for south atlantic. It's an example for all of us, to see you tackle this situation! Keep safe and we'll see you at Sables d'Olonne! Cheers!

[@randalljames1]

Well as Mike Patey would say? BACK TO WORK!!

[@whereisdave]

Good job mate! Good to see you still smiling. Best of luck to you! I'm hoping you can work some of your magic and get back up there. We are rooting for ya!

[@babysleepsounds2710]

Amazing recovery and inspirational attitude! Please watch yourself with that dust and fumes. Plenty of ventilation. Damp down the dust if there's any left in the boat 💪 Now go WIN that race!

[@selkiepesupa]

Awesome to hear how upbeat and positive you are! Never give in!!!!!

[@richardayres2949]

Well done Alan and team behind the scenes. Good luck for the rest of the race.

[@saralane2334]

Amazing! Such a positive attitude, and such determination. Following with huge admiration and wishing you fair winds.

[@syanduril]

Good to hear your back on course and in the hunt for the lead. Fair Winds !!!

[@awardspz5]

Really happy that you're back in the race! We know that you still have some good tricks so good luck for the race, but most of all, happy you're back in!

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

So happy to see bow height positive !! and all you said and yes ... still in the game. Good thoughts, prayers, ...for you and "your beautiful baby" .... best, best, best wishes to you and Hugo Boss and your team.

[@juphoenix7567]

I am French but you're my favorite for this race. Great job Alex, you ve already won a huge challenge, now let's get this race nothing can stop you!

[@autoculto7629]

Well done to you and the team. Your early lead has stood you in great stead and you are so clearly still in the running. 5th place and 388 miles behind is absolutely nothing in this race of endurance. I bet there's a few teams secretly ever so slightly disappointed that you didn't retire lol. May you have fair winds and following sea's for the rest of the race Alex.

[@aniekwiegerinck3219]

Such great news! So excited to see you go full speed again soon

[@Bulldog-vc7ho]

Outstanding been following since the start of the race, pulling for you best of luck and stay safe

[@snowgorilla9789]

Love that you are full hands on with repairs to the structure ( keep the respirator ON) keep at the dirty work am sure it will pay off

[@vaughanholtom9593]

Keep going Alex - we are following your progress when we have dinner together as a family in the UK. We are routing for you fella!

[@marcroyer845]

Thank you Alex you are an example of courage and perseverance yet the damage to your boat is really important and despite everything you do not lose heart at all and well I send you all my energy and all my courage thank you very much for this great video

[@wolfe1970]

Such a positive outlook, good luck with the rest of the repairs and the rest of the race 👍

[@Jamboliner]

You are a legend! Keep up the good spirit...Never forget you did the MAST WALK and more you were born for this!

[@patriziaerlicher6174]

Bravo Alex, stay safe and thank you for sharing your news . From now on, I will never scream against my old boat which has always something cracking

[@Ash-cy7yw]

We're all cheering for you Alex. Including your competitors. Spot on and Sail on Sir !

[@aeastman59]

Woo hoo!! Hooray Alex!!! So glad it didnt keep you stuck longer, so glad you are moving now!! Lots of things can happen now, theres lots of time left!!! We are all rooting for you!

[@janotenev9845]

GO ALEX GO ... and always remeber: to finsh first, you first have to finish - this game is not over yet! YOU WILL MAKE IT

[@andrewgreenslade8589]

You are a testament to staying strong against adversity and maintaining a positive mental attitude. I take my hat off to you. (PS. I pretty much Never comment on anything!)

[@Fried31]

Congrats, great job! You got such an inspiring attitude. Go get them!

[@Thomas-ts2gl]

Two pieces of cake tonight!!! well done!

[@ianmarelli1680]

Glad to see you back in the race, and remaining so positive ,we are all rooting for you. I am sure that you can catch the leaders and sail on to victory and make a piece of history in the process. 😁

[@sergiogibellini5981]

A very positive attitude including also the effort of communicating with us with a smile. Somebody may say that it is part of his job, but this is really a good behaviour. We hope that Alex will go back to a leading position, but in any case his boat is a winning from design innovation aspects.

[@ondrejtomas7367]

I love this positive approach of you Alex! We would all be just shitting in our pants but you just do the work and sail! Unbelievable!

[@birdiebros2206]

Love to see you up and going strong again. Best of luck