British sailor Alex Thomson has beaten the world sailing record for the second time in the Vendee Globe, travelling 536.81 nautical miles in 24 hours. The previous speed record of 534.48 nautical miles was set by Francois Gabart in the 2012 Vendee Globe, Thomson has sailed an additional 2.33 nautical miles.

The record has been confirmed by the Vendee Globe race organisation but has to be ratified by the world sailing council. Thomson’s previous speed record was not ratified as the official rule of the world speed sailing record states that the record must be exceeded by one complete nautical mile further than the previous record in order to be ratified.

The distance Thomson sailed in 24 hours on Sunday 15th of January which has been confirmed by the race organisers, makes him the fastest solo sailor on a 60ft monohull in a 24hour period.

Thomson is currently in second place, sailing 73.3 nautical miles behind rival Armel Le Cleac’h, in the battle for first place.

Thomson is determined to be the first British Skipper to win the Vendée Globe. It is a race which could take up to 80 days and Alex Thomson is still one of the favourites to win.

Follow Alex’s progress at www.alexthomsonracing.com