Intro:

British sailor Alex Thomson crossed the Vendee Globe finishing line off Les Sables des d'Olonne, France on Wednesday to clinch third place in the solo around the world yacht race.

Script:

After 80 days, 19 hours and 23 minute at sea, Alex Thomson's participation in the Vendee Globe came to an end on Wednesday morning.

The British skipper of Hugo Boss clinched third place in the event .

Francois Gabart won the race on Sunday, with Armel Le Cleac'h following his fellow Frenchman over the line three hours later to take second place. Thomson was suitably delighted with his efforts, but there is still yet to be a non-French winner of the round the world race.

"The last two days have been pretty hectic - big seas, big winds and lots of vessels. But it worked out alright. I'm here and once I crossed the finishing line I felt amazing. Until I crossed the finishing line it was business as usual."

Q: "And how do you feel now? Do you want to sleep? What's the first thing you want to do?
"Party. Time to party?"

Thomson's finish had been delayed as he had followed the course of Jean-Pierre Dick.
The Frenchman lost his keel at the start of the week while sitting third in the race and Thomson stole third place to prevent a French one, two and three. So after 80 days of solid hard graft, it's party time for the man from Bangor.