Hugo Boss yacht launches on Thames with sailing star Alex Thomson and Poppy Delevingne

Celebrities, models and yachting enthusiasts flocked to the banks of the Thames on Thursday evening for the launch of the HUGO BOSS yacht. The sleek black vessel, which will be raced by British sailor Alex Thomson, was christened by model and actress Poppy Delevingne, who poured champagne over its side to declare it officially launched. The sustainably-minded IMOCA 60 yacht, which features custom-built solar panels and an electric motor, is now destined for the 2020-21 Vendee Globe, one of the toughest solo sailing races in the world. Alex Thomson has previously finished third in the race in 2013 and came second in 2017 but is now aiming for first place. After the atmospheric sunset christening ceremony, guests including model Sam Rollinson, Lady Sabrina Percy and Neelam Gill decamped to the stylish La Pont de La Tour restaurant by Tower Bridge to toast the boat's launch with more champagne. The yacht will race for the very first time on 27th October when Alex Thomson competes in the Transat Jacques Vabre race from France to Brazil.