Brian Thompson, born on March 5, 1962, is a highly accomplished British professional offshore sailor known for his expertise in high-speed multihull racing and record-breaking circumnavigations. Widely regarded as one of the fastest and most experienced sailors globally, Thompson has broken over 27 world sailing records, including multiple transatlantic crossings, round-the-world benchmarks, and the 24-hour distance record. He is the first Briton to have broken the round the world sailing speed record twice and the first to sail non-stop around the world four times.
Thompson's career highlights include winning the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race as helmsman on ABN AMRO ONE and securing victory in the 2005 Oryx Quest Round the World Race as skipper of the maxi-catamaran Doha. In 2012, he won the Jules Verne Trophy as helmsman and trimmer for Loïck Peyron on the maxi-multihull Banque Populaire V. More recently, in April 2025, Thompson participated in the BVI Spring Regatta as part of the Gunboat 72 Layla crew, showcasing his versatility across different types of racing yachts. He was also involved in The Ocean Race Europe in August 2025, racing with Canada Ocean Racing - Be Water Positive. Thompson continues to be actively involved in grand prix circuits, mentoring teams, and supporting charitable initiatives, solidifying his position as a leading figure in ocean racing.
