 Thomson hit trouble off South Africa |
British sailor Alex Thomson has become the second skipper to retire from the Vendee Globe race after it was decided his yacht could not be repaired. Thomson, from Gosport, was advised by the architect of Hugo Boss that he did not have sufficient materials to fix a hole in the deck and the cabin roof.
"It is an impossible situation for me but I have to act in a responsible manner," said Thomson.
"I can't put the lives of others (the rescue services) at risk."
The damage to Hugo Boss happened last Thursday at 1030 GMT during winds of 45-50 knots, leaving a hole above the waterline.
 |  There is no doubt I'll be back in four years' time and I can't wait |
Before the incident, Thomson had been lying in sixth place about 620 miles behind the race leader. Under race rules, competitors can only fix repairs themselves and are disqualified if they receive help.
"I started out really well and I loved being at the top of the mast in the gales or under spinnaker, being out on the bow sprit," said Thomson, who is heading for Cape Town.
"I greatly enjoyed the challenging moments and it is really something special to be able to turn something which is difficult into something positive.
"There is no doubt I'll be back in four years' time and I can't wait."
Herve Laurent in UUDS was the first of the 20-strong fleet to abandon the race on Monday.
MMIX
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