Hugo Boss returns with structural problem

12:10 AM Tue 11 Nov 2008 GMT

'Alex Thomson, winds up Hugo Boss after the start of the Vendee Globe Race.' Jonathan Glynn-Smith Click Here to view large photo

After 32 hours of horrendous Biscay conditions in the Vendee Globe race, Alex Thomson is returning to Les Sables d'Olonne following the discovery of a structural problem onboard HUGO BOSS. A crack has appeared on the port side hull, the opposite side to the recent repair.

At 19.45 GMT Monday, Alex Thomson turned Hugo Boss around to head back to Les Sables d'Olonne. Thomson is in no imminent danger; the boat is taking on water, but at a manageable rate. On arrival in Les Sables D'Olonne the damage will be assessed. He is currently approximately 290 miles from the port.

Hugo Boss will be the eighth yacht to return to Les Sables D'Olonne since the race start on Sunday afternoon. The Vendee Globe rules only allow the competing yachts to return to Les Sables D'Olonne to carry out repairs using outside assistance and restart the race within a 10 day window of Sunday 9 November (the start date).