'I owe him my life' - British yachtsman praises rival racer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British yachtsman rescued from his stricken vessel in the Southern Ocean nine days ago, during a round-the-world solo race, said yesterday that he owed his life to the bitter rival who picked him up.
Alex Thomson's racer Hugo Boss was in third place in the Velux 5 Oceans marathon when it sank after capsizing. Mike Golding, 46, and his craft Ecover, in second place,turned and sailed 80 miles to pick Thomson up.
Golding then rejoined the race, but a few hours later found his mast broken in two places. The men had to sail 1,000 miles to Cape Town for repairs.
Golding, from Southampton, and Thomson, 32, from Gosport, have now reached South Africa. Thomson said: "We started not the best of friends ... and now I think we are great mates. I'm very grateful to him. I guess I'm buying the beers tonight."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments