Jersey sailor awarded top honour by French Embassy

Saturday 29 June 2019

Yachtsman Alex Thomson - son of Jerseyman Peter Thomson, and an adopted Islander - has been awarded the prestigious French National Order of Merit ('Ordre national du Mérite').

Mr Thomson was given the rank of Knight ('Chevalier') of the National Order of Merit in recognition of his services to the sport of sailing during a career spanning more than 20 years to date.

The French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, gave Thomson his medal and certificate during a ceremony at the French Ambassador’s Residence in Kensington Palace Gardens.

Mr Jouyet said: “I am thrilled that Mr. Thomson has been honoured with the Ordre national du Mérite. It symbolises France’s recognition of his contribution to sailing and the wider world of sports. In addition to being a great champion, Alex Thomson is a true gentleman and an example for the younger generations, conveying the values of hard work, courage and humility!”

Pictured: Thomson with Sir Keith Mills, Deputy Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The National Order of Merit was introduced in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle to reward “distinguished merit.” It is a universal order, honouring individuals from all fields of activity for distinguished civil and military achievements. It rewards innovation, to set an example for others to emulate, and to recognize diversity. It is the second national order after the Legion of Honour.

At only 45, Thomson is well below the average age of admission to the prestigious group of awardees and is among just a handful of non-French sailors to have ever been presented the honour by the French state.

Throughout his career, Thomson has conquered some of the most demanding ocean races in the world, breaking multiple records along the way. The father-of-two - who is based in Gosport - remains the youngest skipper ever to have won a round-the-world yacht race.

Pictured: Thomson and British Sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

He also holds the British solo, unassisted round-the-world monohull record, which he set in 2017 when he finished second in the gruelling Vendée Globe – described by some as ‘the Everest of sailing’ – in just 74 days, 19 hours, 35 minutes.

Commenting on this latest honour, Thomson said: “I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award from the French Embassy. France holds a special place in my heart. It is where I have experienced some of the greatest moments in my career so far, and I have been warmly welcomed by the French people who are so passionate about this sport.

"I’d like to thank the Embassy and the Ambassador for this recognition, as well as my family, friends, team and the public who have supported me every step of the way”.

Pictured: Thomson hopes to win the Vendée Globe in 2021.

Thomson’s life-long ambition is to become the first Briton ever to win the Vendée Globe, which is recognised as one of the most challenging sporting endeavours in the world today.

Having achieved third and second place finishes in the previous two editions of the race – which takes place every four years – the sailor will seek to make history in 2021.