Yachtsman makes £1.4m appeal on internet

A top racing yachtsman has advertised on internet auction site eBay for a sponsor with bidding starting at £1.4m (€2.1m).

Alex Thomson has only seven weeks left to find sponsorship in order to take part in this year’s gruelling single-handed round-the-world Vendee Globe race.

The highest bidder will be able to name the UK skipper’s 60ft boat and call on his services as as an ambassador for their brand.

Mr Thomson, 30, from Gosport, Hampshire, last year smashed the world solo speed sailing record when he travelled 468 miles in 24 hours.

He said: “I have never used eBay before, but I am very positive we will get the money one way or another.

“The Vendee is the hardest thing you can do in the world you’re down there in the Southern Ocean on your own, racing and pushing things to the limit.”

He would prefer to raise sponsorship of £2.2m (€3.3m), which will take him to the end of 2005, but £1.4m (€2.1m) would pay for essential boat repairs and see him through the Vendee Globe.

The eBay auction, which finishes on June 17, has so far attracted one bid of £1m (€1.5m).

British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur finished second in the most recent Vendee Globe race in 2000-01, completing the 24,000-mile course in 94 days and four hours.