First glimpse of radically-modified Hugo Boss

[Source: Hugo Boss] The latest incarnation of the HUGO BOSS IMOCA 60 was given a brief airing on Friday as it was transferred from the Green Marine shed at Spitfire Quay, Southampton to Alex Thomson Racing’s base in Gosport.

Over the last 4 months the boat has been undergoing a dramatic modification and re-fit under the guidance of boat designer Juan Kouyoumdjian that will provide Alex Thomson with the most powerful IMOCA 60 in the World.

The boat, now virtually unrecognisable from the original Kouyoumdjian designed Pindar, features a number of radical changes that sets the boat apart from the IMOCA 60 fleet but, under the new grandfathering rule, keeps the boat within the restrictions set down by IMOCA. Alex Thomson Racing is confident that the results will lead to some exciting sailing.

“We’ve worked closely with Juan to create something that’s a bit special and we’re all really pleased with the result”, said Alex Thomson. “We’re in the process of fitting the rig and then we’ll be able to try her out. I’ve been looking forward to that moment for quite a while now”.

HUGO BOSS is due to be officially unveiled in all its glory at a high profile launch event in May. Alex Thomson will then embark on a six-month sailing programme that will take him up to the start of the Barcelona World Race in December where he hopes to go one better having finished second in the 2007/8 race.

The radically-modified Hugo Boss leaves the Green Marine boatyard. Southampton, 23 April 2010. Photo copyright Hugo Boss

The radically-modified Hugo Boss leaves the Green Marine boatyard. Southampton, 23 April 2010. Photo copyright Hugo Boss

The radically-modified Hugo Boss leaves the Green Marine boatyard. Southampton, 23 April 2010. Photo copyright Hugo Boss