The Chameleon
 

Extremely experienced, Brian Thompson found in the Everest of sailing a race matching his talent. He took part for the first time in the 2008-09 Vendée Globe aboard a powerful, radical design of boat, but would experience many technical problems. He hung on in there and finished in fifth place, showing his extraordinary ability to adapt to circumstances. It is this quality that has made him a sought after sailor, and he has joined crews aboard monohulls and multihulls throughout his career, which began back in 1992.

A major figure in British sailing, Brian Thompson has achieved no fewer than 25 ocean records, including the most prestigious one, the non-stop crewed race around the world, which he set back in 2004 as watch leader aboard Steve Fossett’s maxi-catamaran Cheyenne. Regularly invited to join multihull crews, Brian can also boast some great achievements in monohull racing: Volvo Ocean Race, Transat Jacques Vabre, Route du Rhum and of course, the Vendée Globe.

All of these amazing feats mean that today the British sailor is a serious candidate for the 2012 edition of the non-stop solo round the world race. Meanwhile, the chameleon is set to tackle the Jules Verne Trophy this winter aboard the Maxi-trimaran Banque Populaire V. Another experience he is bound to make the most of and benefit from, if he makes it to the start of his second Vendée Globe, on Saturday 10th November 2012.