Life-size birthday surprise for Vendee sailor's wife

11:24 PM Tue 3 Feb 2009 GMT

'Brian Thompson / Bahrain Team Pindar / Vendee Globe' Vendee Globe 2008 &copy

Record-breaking yachtsman, Brian Thompson, who is currently nearing the end of the solo, non-stop, round the world yacht race, the Vend?e Globe on board his boat 'Bahrain Team Pindar', was determined not to miss out on his wife's birthday celebrations, despite being in the middle of the Atlantic.

As a romantic birthday surprise, he organised for musicians from the Royal Marines Association to deliver gifts and serenade Nathalie with 'Happy Birthday' on the doorstep of their family home, accompanied by a life sized cardboard cut out of himself.

The celebrations were far from flat when an elated Nathalie and their two young children Genevieve (3) and Tristan (18 months), later enjoyed a traditional birthday tea party, speaking to the 'real' Brian at sea on board his boat 'Bahrain Team Pindar', whilst his cardboard stand-in looked on.

Wife Nathalie commented, 'I got the shock of my life when I saw Brian on the doorstep, but it was a wonderful surprise and a very romantic gesture. We all miss him so much. It's been a difficult three months without him, but we're starting to get very excited about him coming home.'

The 'Everest of the Seas', the Vend?e Globe is one of the toughest challenges in world sport, where competitors sail non-stop around the world without assistance. During the 25,000 mile journey, he has encountered some of the most treacherous waters on the planet, including the notorious Southern Ocean - a remote wilderness of unpredictable weather, huge waves, severe cold and the constant threat of ice-bergs.

The race began on November 9 in Les Sables d'Olonne in North West France, where Brian is expected to return in a few weeks. He is currently lying in fifth place, out of the 11 remaining boats, less than half of the original fleet of 30 that started. On Sunday February 1, French skipper Michel Desjoyeaux won the race after a record 83 days at sea.

Nathalie continued 'I felt quite guilty when I told him we were tucking into the delicious cake and champagne he'd sent, knowing that he only has freeze-dried food left on board. He said he's looking forward to some home-cooking, fresh fruit and vegetables, a cold beer and a nice bath!'

To follow Brian's progress please visit www.teampindar.com

by Kate Bewer

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