Image: Mark Lloyd

HUGO BOSS skipper Alex Thomson will return to competitive action once again tomorrow, as he leads a British and Irish contingent in Malta for the Middle Sea Race.

The race, which starts in the stunning Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, sees the fleet of over 100 yachts sail anti-clockwise on a 606nm course through the Messini Straits, around Stromboli volcano and the island of Sicily and back to Valletta. The final number of boats registered stands at 112 from 30 different countries.

Making up Thomson’s four-man crew will be Irish sailor Nin O’Leary – Alex’s co skipper during this year’s Fastnet Race, Jack Trigger – an experienced Class 40 sailor and Will Jackson – boat captain at Alex Thomson Racing. Thomson, who normally races solo on board his IMOCA 60 HUGO BOSS, is looking forward to sailing with additional crew which will allow him to push the boat much harder than when sailing solo.

The annual race, which is organised by the Royal Malta Yacht Club is in its 38th edition, and sees a large international fleet with crew represented from almost 30 countries.

Speaking of the upcoming race Thomson stated: “It’s great to be back here in Malta and competing in the Middle Sea Race. Valletta Harbour is such an incredible location for a race start!

“I forward to racing with Nin, Jack and Will – a welcome change from racing solo! The conditions for the start look like light upwind conditions which aren’t favourable for us, but once we round the top of Sicily there will be a strong north-westerly mistral kicking in on Sunday which will give us very fast downwind foiling conditions back to the finish.”

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