Q&A with Sam Goodchild: Life Offshore and Chasing the Dream

Emilia Renshaw

As one of the standout figures on the IMOCA circuit and a recent finisher of the legendary Vendée Globe, Sam Goodchild has spent his life immersed in the sea. From childhood spent aboard a family boat to chasing the world’s most extreme offshore races, Sam’s journey is one of persistence, independence, and ambition. We sat down with him to talk early memories, offshore resilience, and what’s next on the horizon as he joins the Henri-Lloyd Hall of Fame as our latest icon in sailing.

Special thanks to Mark Jardine, editor of YachtsandYachting.com and a leading voice in offshore sailing media, for conducting this interview.

Q: Sam, how did you first get into sailing?

A: I got into sailing very young -before I can even remember. I actually grew up living on a boat with my family. It wasn’t a decision; it was a way of life. So, sailing has always been part of me. I only started competitive sailing when I was about 15, so it all came in stages. But now, it’s everything.

Q: Do you have a favourite early sailing memory that really shaped you?

A: There are a lot, but one that sticks with me is a small wooden Optimist dinghy my dad built for me out of plywood. That boat gave me a sense of independence, it let me sail where I wanted, how I wanted, even if I wasn’t crossing oceans yet. That freedom was powerful, and something I’ve been chasing ever since.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a professional sailor?

A: Not at all. As a kid, I didn’t even know professional sailing existed. But when I was 15, I discovered the Vendée Globe. It blew my mind. By 17, I’d met people who were actually making a living from offshore racing - and that was it. From that point on, I never looked back. I knew what I wanted to do.

Q: Offshore sailing can be incredibly demanding. What motivates you in the toughest moments?

A: During the Vendée Globe, I kept thinking ‘I’ve spent more than half my life working to be here’. That thought alone was incredibly motivating. You also think about all the people who’ve helped you get there: the support team, family, mentors. When things get tough, that sense of responsibility and gratitude helps you push through. It’s about appreciating the privilege of being in that race.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who dreams of doing the Vendée Globe?

A: Never give up. There were times when it felt impossible - when it seemed a million miles away. But I just kept going, even when things didn’t go to plan. Break the journey down into smaller steps, stay focused on the dream, and keep showing up. It took me 20 years to get to the start line. But I got there.

Q: What are your biggest fears when you’re alone at sea?

A: The isolation. You’re so far from anything - no ships passing by, no helicopters, no help just around the corner. So, the mental side becomes huge. You need to stay clear-headed, because out there, there’s very little margin for error.

Q: You've achieved so much in IMOCA - what do you consider your biggest achievement?

A: Definitely finishing the Vendée Globe. Just getting to the start line is huge. Winning would be the dream, of course, but completing it is a massive accomplishment in itself. It’s something I’m really proud of.

Q: Was there a moment when it all felt real - when you knew you’d made it?

A: Crossing the finish line. That’s probably the only moment. Even then, it flies by. You want it to last a week, but it’s over in a blur. Still, that was the moment where it was done - where nobody could take it away from you.

Q: Is there anything you wish more people understood about offshore racing?

A: I enjoy sharing what we do - it’s great that people follow it. But I suppose the one thing is how quickly you adapt to extreme conditions. Sailing solo on a foiling IMOCA in the Southern Ocean sounds insane. But somehow, you get used to it. It becomes your normal.

Q: Now that the race is over, how are preparations going for the next Vendée Globe?

A: The second you cross the finish line, the next one begins. These are huge projects - they take time, energy, and a lot of pieces coming together. We’re not quite ready to announce anything, but we’re working hard. Hopefully there’ll be good news to share very soon.

Q: How do you keep busy between races?

A: Honestly, staying busy is not a problem. Only around 15% of our time is actually spent sailing. The rest is about building the project - sponsorship, logistics, managing a 15- to 20-person team. Since the Vendée Globe, I’ve also done some sailing on other people’s boats, which has been a nice change of pace. I recently did the Round Britain and Ireland Race on a big trimaran - that was a great experience.

Q: Aside from the Vendée Globe, what’s next on your race calendar?

A: I’m racing in the Ocean Race Europe in August, coming into Portsmouth with Biotherm and Paul Meilhat’s team. That’ll be an intense and high-level regatta. After that, we’ve got the Transat Jacques Vabre - a double-handed transatlantic race from Le Havre to Martinique. Two major events, two different teams, and a lot to prepare for. It’s going to be a full-on year.

Q: Finally, what’s keeping you excited about the future?

A: The next Vendée Globe, for sure. But also, the challenge of building a new campaign, working with new teams, and continuing to push myself in some of the toughest conditions on the planet. That’s what keeps me going.

Follow Sam’s journey as he continues to chase new horizons on and off the water - and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of performance sailing.