Iconoclast sailor Alex Thomson dived 12 m from the truck of his Open 60 into the sea off Cadiz, Spain in an 007 like stunt.

The courageous skipper dived from the boat which he entered in the 2012-2013 Vendee Globe round the world race. Although the mast is 30 metres in length it was at 60 degrees from the water when he jumped.

His 45 second plunge took place while the boat was travelling at 10 knots. The wind speed on the day was 18 knots.

Alex practiced from a high diving board for the stunt as is not keen on heights so it was doubly daring for him. The suit is water-proof!