Hugo Boss-sponsored Ukranian boxers, the Klitschko brothers, last night officially christened solo sailor Alex Thomson’s brand new state-of-the-art Open 60 yacht at a spectacular event held in Hamburg, Germany.

The new Hugo Boss replaces the boat that Thomson lost in the Southern Ocean during last years Velux 5 Oceans Race, when he was rescued by fellow competitor Mike Golding OBE.

Attended by 1,000 guests, Champagne was sprayed onto the bow of the boat prior to an amazing light and pyrotechnics show, during which the 60ft yacht appeared out of the mist on the banks of the River Elbe, suspended from a 30m high crane.

Thomson commented: “It was great to be in Hamburg to christen the new Hugo Boss. I was pleased that my friend Wladimir Klitschko agreed to do the honours along with his brother Vitali. Now the boat has been officially named, I am really looking forward to November and the start of the Barcelona World Race.”

Thomson will now spend a final few weeks training with his co-skipper Andrew Cape in the Solent, from his Gosport, Portsmouth base, before delivering Hugo Boss to Barcelona prior to the race start.