Sam Goodchild Will Compete in Route du Rhum Race
The 13th edition of the solo transatlantic race begins on November 1, 2026, featuring a field of 22 IMOCA yachts.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cycling
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Skipper Sam Goodchild will compete in the 13th Route du Rhum, a 3,540-mile solo race departing for the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe on November 1, 2026. This race marks Goodchild's final appearance aboard the yacht MACIF Santé Prévoyance.
Why it matters
Goodchild aims to complete the race following previous challenges, including a past dismasting and a facial injury during earlier attempts. His team is focused on securing a victory to conclude their current racing season before he transitions to a new vessel.
The race spans a total distance of 3,540 miles across the Atlantic. The previous edition was won in 11 days and 17 hours, setting the benchmark for the 22 IMOCA entries competing this year.
The players
Sam Goodchild
The 36-year-old skipper is a professional sailor who has competed in high-profile events like the Vendée Arctique.
Thomas Ruyant
The professional sailor won the previous edition of the Route du Rhum.
Ambrogio Beccaria
An Italian competitive sailor who recently finished behind Sam Goodchild in the Défi Azimut 48 Hours.
The details
Skippers must navigate the Bay of Biscay and the eastern Atlantic while managing mechanical risks and balancing vessel speed with safety requirements. Goodchild enters the race with momentum, having finished second in the Vendée Arctique and ahead of Ambrogio Beccaria in the Défi Azimut 48 Hours.
Timeline
The 13th Route du Rhum race begins on November 1, 2026.
Sam Goodchild is scheduled to take delivery of a new yacht in early 2027.
Season Trajectory
This race follows the 2022 Route du Rhum, which established the high performance standards for current IMOCA competitors. Goodchild's performance in this event will dictate his final standing as he prepares to transition to a new Verdier designed yacht early next year.
Goodchild's ability to finish the race will impact his transition to a new Verdier designed yacht expected in early 2027. His recent head-to-head performance against competitors like Ambrogio Beccaria provides a key indicator for potential top-tier placements in this 3,540-mile journey.
The takeaway
Solo racing requires a delicate balance between maintaining high speeds and ensuring the mechanical integrity of the vessel over long distances. Skippers must remain prepared for unpredictable Atlantic weather to ensure they reach the finish line safely.
Further reading
Find more updates and coverage on the Cycling section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yachtsandyachting.
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