Left to right: Till Pohlmann Head of Sports Sponsorship for HUGO BOSS, Skipper Alex Thomson and Sir Keith Mills. Image copyright Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images.
* HUGO BOSS retain title sponsorship
* Alex Thomson signs up for Barcelona World Race 2010
* Alex second IMOCA skipper to announce his entry into Vendée Globe 2012
by Lucy Harwood
In Le Havre, France today (07.11.09), HUGO BOSS announced the continued title sponsorship of Alex Thomson. HUGO BOSS has been actively involved in sailing since 2003, when it first sponsored Alex Thomson in the Rolex Fastnet Race off the English coast. The seven year partnership stands as one of the longest within the IMOCA class, this ongoing commitment from HUGO BOSS will see Alex compete within the IMOCA circuit in the lead up to the 2012 Vendée Globe.
“I am delighted HUGO BOSS are retaining title sponsorship of the project, it has been a great partnership and I know there is still so much we can do. I will announce a full programme of events for the team soon. A brand like HUGO BOSS brings a new level of glamour to the sport, it is exciting to work with such an innovative and distinctive company. I am proud to have a reliable and successful partner onboard especially in tough times like these where sponsorship of such a scale is difficult to find. I would like to thank HUGO BOSS for their continued support and I am looking forward to exciting years ahead.” IMOCA skipper Alex Thomson (GBR).
The current seven-year partnership has exceeded expectations in terms of media return for HUGO BOSS, and it is comparable with other long term sponsorships deals such as Formula 1. The IMOCA class has established itself as the world’s most successful offshore racing class. It includes over 30 of the world’s best sailors from 7 countries, and an international racing calendar covering Europe, North and South America, Africa and Australia, providing an excellent global platform for sponsors.
Till Pohlmann Head of Sports Sponsorship for HUGO BOSS, “We are delighted to retain our title sponsorship of Alex and his team. HUGO BOSS has seen the IMOCA class deliver substantial media interest, which makes it very appealing to us. We will continue to develop close relationships between our markets and the sponsorship and to explore the programme further. We are lucky to work globally with an ambassador like Alex.”
HUGO BOSS will focus on creative cross promotion ideas, which have in the past seen a huge return from events such as The Monaco Grand Prix, The British Open Golf Championship (Turnberry), and International store openings. HUGO BOSS will also continue to coordinate joint events that have in the past involved HUGO BOSS sponsored athletes such as Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton and international golfer Oliver Wilson joining Alex onboard his Open 60.
To mark this event HUGO BOSS skipper Alex Thomson officially signed his entry into the Barcelona World Race with the CEO of the Race Andor Serra on hand to witness the signature. Alex is the second official entry after 2007 race winner Jean-Pierre Dick confirmed his entry in July, Alex will be aiming to go one better than his second placed finish in the last edition of the race. Alex has also announced his entry into the Everest of solo sailing event the 2012 Vendée Globe, Alex is the second IMOCA skipper to announce his participation in the race.
Tomorrow (08.11.09) marks the start of The Transat Jacques Vabre, a two handed 4,720 mile transatlantic sprint starting from Le Havre on November 8th. It is the perfect training vehicle for Alex ahead of the Barcelona World Race, which kicks off on December 31st 2010. Alex will sail onboard the existing Open 60 HUGO BOSS alongside his co-skipper, long time boat captain Ross Daniel. The newly acquired Juan Kouyoumdjian Open 60 will be re-fitted for a new sailing programme starting in 2010.
Alex Thomson Racing
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