British sailor Sam Goodchild concludes Vendée Globe race in 9th position, impressing viewers with his performance as the top Briton.
Sam Goodchild, a British sailor, is making waves in the world of IMOCA class racing. After an impressive 9th place finish in his debut Vendée Globe, the solo around-the-world yacht race considered the pinnacle of the sport, Goodchild has established himself as a strong competitor on the global stage.
Goodchild's journey in the IMOCA class began two years ago, and since then, he has proven his mettle in various fleets. His resume includes crewing for Ultim trimarans such as Sodebo, excelling in the Figaro class and Classe 40 fleets, and skippering a very competitive Multi 50 campaign.
In 2025, Goodchild took over as skipper of the Macif Santé Prévoyance IMOCA 60 yacht, a Verdier-designed boat launched in June 2023. This opportunity came about after Charlie Dalin, the Vendée Globe winner, stepped back from competition due to health issues. Goodchild's appointment was a significant one, and he acknowledged both sympathy for Dalin's situation and eagerness to prove himself in this high-profile role.
Goodchild's first campaign as a fully-crewed IMOCA skipper was the 2025 Course des Caps race, a challenging 2,000-nautical mile race across complex waters. He led or contested the lead through demanding navigational and tactical conditions, demonstrating his prowess in this new role.
Looking ahead, Goodchild's future prospects are promising. Being entrusted to skipper the Macif IMOCA 60 indicates confidence from a major campaign team, positioning him for upcoming IMOCA Globe Series events and the 2028 Vendée Globe. His solid performance in his first Vendée Globe and early successes in crewed races suggest the potential for him to establish himself among the leading sailors in offshore IMOCA racing.
Goodchild also expressed a commitment to learning the nuances of the newest IMOCA technology and tactics, suggesting a dedication to further growth and competitiveness. As the IMOCA fleet evolves with technological innovation and changing race formats, his gaining experience with the Macif program positions him well to remain at the forefront of the class.
In conclusion, Sam Goodchild is a British offshore sailor who has quickly risen through the ranks to become a notable contender in elite solo and crewed ocean racing. His impressive debut in the Vendée Globe, coupled with his success in crewed races, positions him as a strong British candidate for the 2028 Vendée Globe. With his current role and demonstrated capabilities, Goodchild is poised for a significant career trajectory in the world of IMOCA racing.
Sports such as sailing have become a significant part of Goodchild's life, with his impressive accomplishments in the IMOCA class demonstrating his expertise in this domain. After his impressive 9th place finish in the Vendée Globe and his successful performances in various fleets, Goodchild is now a strong contender not only in the world of sailing but also in the global offshore racing scene.
