 Thomson is working with his shore crew to repair his yacht |
Alex Thomson's hopes of closing in on the leaders in the 5 Oceans solo round-the-world race were hit after his yacht capsized in the Southern Ocean. The Briton, lying in third, was unhurt but his vessel was not so lucky and he is trying to repair damage to his keel.
"I was in my bunk when I was suddenly thrown across the cabin as the boat broached," Thomson said.
"The boat was leaning right over on its side. To have a problem at this vital stage is absolutely devastating."
Thomson had been closing in on second-placed compatriot Mike Golding when his keel broke free.
Dutch defending champion Bernard Stamm still leads the race, followed by Golding, Thomson, Japan's Kojiro Shiraishi, British veteran Robin Knox-Johnston, Graham Dalton and Unai Basurko.
The fleet left Bilbao in October and the first leg of the race is set to finish in Fremantle in Australia in early December before returning to Bilbao in April.
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