News
8.26.25
The Ocean Race Europe | Leg 3: Fierce battle ahead on the road to Nice
After completing the longest leg of The Ocean Race Europe between Portsmouth and Cartagena, the fleet now prepares for a speedy sprint through the Mediterranean.
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He was only 18 years old when the British sailor sailed down the famous channel in Les Sables d'Olonne with Mike Golding, who set off for his first Vendée Globe. It was then that he decided that one day he too would sail around the world single-handed on an IMOCA boat.
Sam Goodchild grew up on a boat with his family until the age of 7. Over the next twenty years, he specialized in offshore racing, competing both in crewed and solo events. In 2005, he joined the teams of Alex Thomson, and then Mike Golding, gaining solid experience alongside some of the best British sailors.
In 2010, he joined the Artemis Offshore Academy, a program designed to launch young British talents onto the Figaro circuit. He made his debut in this demanding class, while also exploring other racing platforms over the years: Class40, Ultim, Figaro, Ocean Fifty... It was with the Ocean Fifty class, and notably aboard the trimaran Leyton, that he truly made his mark, winning the Pro Sailing Tour 2021. During the last Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, he was forced to retire after injuring his back on the trimaran.
In 2023, Kevin Escoffier called him up to join The Ocean Race aboard Holcim-PRB. Sam participated in the first three legs, gaining valuable experience on the IMOCA boats. Just days after returning from Brazil, he launched his own IMOCA, "FOR THE PLANET", formerly LinkedOut, and began his first double-handed season alongside Antoine Koch. He delivered an impressive performance and went on to win the IMOCA Globe Series 2023, becoming the circuit champion.
At the start of 2024, TRRacing, which supports the projects of both Thomas Ruyant and Sam Goodchild, launched an impactful campaign with a strong message: "We are all vulnerable." To support this social and environmental cause, the two IMOCA boats were named "Vulnerable".
Under his new colors, Sam suffered a demasting during the New York - Vendée, just four months before the Vendée Globe start. Thanks to his team's quick response, a new mast was swiftly installed, allowing him to secure a strong 2nd place at the Défi Azimut.
Aligning himself at the start of his first Vendée Globe, Sam Goodchild was considered a serious contender for victory, despite being a rookie. He stayed close to the front pack for most of the race, but a mainsail tear in the final days prevented him from competing at the front. Nevertheless, he finished in a solid 9th place, confirming his talent and bright future on the IMOCA circuit.
In 2025, Sam Goodchild is called in to replace Charlie Dalin on MACIF Santé Prévoyance for the Course des Caps. He will be joined by Charlotte Yven, Lois Berrehar, and Guillaume Combescure.
He will also take the start of The Ocean Race Europe aboard Biotherm alongside Paul Meilhat.
2022: Route du Rhum - Withdrew due to injury (Ocean Fifty)
2022: Dhream Cup - Winner (Ocean Fifty)
2022: 1000 milles des Sables - Winner (Ocean Fifty)
2022: Pro Sailing Tour - 2nd (Ocean Fifty)
2021: Pro Sailing Tour - Winner (Ocean Fifty)
2021: Transat Jacques Vabre - 3rd (Ocean Fifty)
2020: Dhream Cup - Winner (Figaro)
2020: Solo Maître Coq - 2nd (Figaro)
2019: Transat Jacques Vabre - 2nd (Class40)
2019: Rolex Fastnet Race - 3rd (Ultim)
2018: 1000 milles des Sables - 2nd (Class40)
2018: Route du Rhum - abandoned after dismasting (Class40)
2015: Transat Jacques Vabre - 7th
2014: Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race - 2nd (VOR65)
2014: La Solitaire du Figaro - 22nd
2013: La Solitaire du Figaro - 11th
2013: RORC Carabean 600 - Winner (Class40)
2013: Round Gotland Race - 2nd
2012: Normandy Channel Race - Winner
2012: La Solitaire du Figaro - 24th
2012: Transat AG2R - 12th
2012: Solo Figaro Massif Marine - 8th (Figaro)
2011: Tour of Brittany - 19th (Figaro)
2011: Solo Basse Normandie - 2nd (Figaro)
2011: La Solitaire du Figaro - 34th
2011: Leg 2 Global Ocean Race - Winner (Class40)
2011: Transat Jacques Vabre - Retired (Class40)
2011: La Transmanche - 3rd in the Figaro class
2010: Round Britain and Ireland Race - 16th (Figaro)
| Name | BIOTHERM |
|---|---|
| Sail number | FRA 2030 |
| Architect | Guillaume Verdier |
| Construction | 2022, Persico Marine |
| Length | 18,28 m |
| Beam | 5,4 m |
| Draught | 4,5 m |
| Weight | 8 tonnes |
| Mast height | 29 m |
| Mast type | Wing mast |
| Foils | Yes |
| Sail area max. | |
| Upwind | 260 m2 |
| Downwind | 600 m2 |
After completing the longest leg of The Ocean Race Europe between Portsmouth and Cartagena, the fleet now prepares for a speedy sprint through the Mediterranean.
•••Paul Meilhat and his crew on Biotherm haven’t won the second edition of The Ocean Race Europe yet, but they have produced a perfect start to this unique event and they are going to take some beating.
•••In Portsmouth, the air smelled of victory: Biotherm takes the win in Leg 1 of The Ocean Race Europe. For Sam Goodchild and Jack Bouttell, the finish carried a special flavor: that of their home waters, but also the memor…
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