Latest news with #Goodchild
The Star
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sailing-Dalin out, Goodchild in as British skipper takes charge of MACIF after health blow to Frenchman
FILE PHOTO: Sailing - Vendee Globe - Les Sables-d'Olonne, France - November 10, 2024, Britain's Sam Goodchild before the race REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo (Reuters) -French sailing star Charlie Dalin will miss the entire 2025 racing season due to health concerns, with British skipper Sam Goodchild taking over the helm of the IMOCA MACIF Sante Prevoyance yacht, the team said on Tuesday. Despite the absence of this year's Vendee Globe winner, the team confirmed on Tuesday that they will maintain their full racing schedule, with Goodchild and co-skipper Lois Berrehar set to compete in all planned events in the IMOCA Globe Series. "It's a difficult decision to make, but health is a priority," said Dalin, who last month said he had set his sights on defending his series title. "I'm obviously disappointed not to be able to sail this season, but I have complete confidence in Sam and Lois to fly the MACIF Sante Prevoyance flag high." Dalin will remain involved in the project management behind the scenes while his team competes in three major races: the Course des Caps starting this Sunday, the Defi Azimut in September, and the Transat Cafe L'Or in October. Goodchild, who won the 2023 IMOCA Globe Series Championship, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the role. "It's an honour for me to take the helm of the IMOCA MACIF Sante Prevoyance," he said. "Lois and I will devote all our energy to living up to the collective ambition of this project." Berrehar, 31, brings significant credentials to his co-skipper role. The French sailor won the Transat Paprec in 2023 and finished second in last year's Solitaire du Figaro with two stage victories. He had previously been named as Dalin's replacement skipper for the Vendee Globe. "When Charlie called me to join this project, I took it as a huge vote of confidence," Berrehar said. "We're going to do everything we can to aim for victory." For the upcoming Course des Caps, Goodchild and Berrehar will be joined by Charlotte Yven, Guillaume Combescure, and media driver Guillaume Gatefait for the 2,000-mile journey around the British Isles. MACIF has requested no further inquiries regarding Dalin's health situation, and said no further statements would be made. The IMOCA racing series is a premier offshore sailing championship featuring high-performance 60-foot monohull yachts known as IMOCAs, designed to be sailed by small crews or even solo. Governed by the International Monohull Open Class Association, the series includes iconic transoceanic races such as the Vendee Globe. These cutting-edge boats, often equipped with hydrofoils, are built for speed, endurance, and innovation, making the IMOCA series a proving ground for the world's best ocean racers and a showcase for the latest in maritime technology. (Editing by Toby Davis)
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Dalin out, Goodchild in as British skipper takes charge of MACIF after health blow to Frenchman
Sailing - Arrival of the Vendee Globe winner - Les Sables-d'Olonne, France - January 14, 2025 Macif Sante Prevoyance's Charlie Dalin holds the trophy onstage as he arrives in port after winning the Vendee Globe REUTERS/Stephane Mahe Dalin out, Goodchild in as British skipper takes charge of MACIF after health blow to Frenchman French sailing star Charlie Dalin will miss the entire 2025 racing season due to health concerns, with British skipper Sam Goodchild taking over the helm of the IMOCA MACIF Sante Prevoyance yacht, the team said on Tuesday. Despite the absence of this year's Vendee Globe winner, the team confirmed on Tuesday that they will maintain their full racing schedule, with Goodchild and co-skipper Lois Berrehar set to compete in all planned events in the IMOCA Globe Series. "It's a difficult decision to make, but health is a priority," said Dalin, who last month said he had set his sights on defending his series title. "I'm obviously disappointed not to be able to sail this season, but I have complete confidence in Sam and Lois to fly the MACIF Sante Prevoyance flag high." Dalin will remain involved in the project management behind the scenes while his team competes in three major races: the Course des Caps starting this Sunday, the Defi Azimut in September, and the Transat Cafe L'Or in October. Goodchild, who won the 2023 IMOCA Globe Series Championship, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the role. "It's an honour for me to take the helm of the IMOCA MACIF Sante Prevoyance," he said. "Lois and I will devote all our energy to living up to the collective ambition of this project." Berrehar, 31, brings significant credentials to his co-skipper role. The French sailor won the Transat Paprec in 2023 and finished second in last year's Solitaire du Figaro with two stage victories. He had previously been named as Dalin's replacement skipper for the Vendee Globe. "When Charlie called me to join this project, I took it as a huge vote of confidence," Berrehar said. "We're going to do everything we can to aim for victory." For the upcoming Course des Caps, Goodchild and Berrehar will be joined by Charlotte Yven, Guillaume Combescure, and media driver Guillaume Gatefait for the 2,000-mile journey around the British Isles. MACIF has requested no further inquiries regarding Dalin's health situation, and said no further statements would be made. The IMOCA racing series is a premier offshore sailing championship featuring high-performance 60-foot monohull yachts known as IMOCAs, designed to be sailed by small crews or even solo. Governed by the International Monohull Open Class Association, the series includes iconic transoceanic races such as the Vendee Globe. These cutting-edge boats, often equipped with hydrofoils, are built for speed, endurance, and innovation, making the IMOCA series a proving ground for the world's best ocean racers and a showcase for the latest in maritime technology. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers concerned as unpredictable weather causes delay in summer crop: 'Overall volumes remain limited'
Spring storms in Spain are slowing strawberry harvests, which is driving up prices and squeezing the supply chain across Europe. After getting slammed by floods earlier this year, Spain is once again facing extreme weather, this time in the form of unrelenting, heavy rain that's hitting major soft fruit-growing regions. As Fresh Plaza reported, weeks of persistent rainfall have slowed crop development and pushed back harvest timelines, especially for strawberries and raspberries. Some roads and infrastructure haven't fully recovered from January's floods, making it harder for growers to transport fruit even when it's ready. Ben Goodchild from Nationwide Produce made a visit to the region and told Fresh Plaza he saw fields full of unripe strawberries and raspberries still waiting for sunshine. Although much of the fruit is grown under protective covers, the overcast conditions have dragged down production and pushed prices up. Morocco, another major exporter, is facing its own issues — including two-to-three-day port delays — just as seasonal demand spikes ahead of spring holidays like Mother's Day and Easter. "While there are small glasshouse productions in Holland, the U.K. and other European countries, overall volumes remain limited," Goodchild noted. Spain supplies much of Europe's fresh produce during winter and early spring, when colder countries can't grow their own. So when Spanish production stalls, the entire region feels the pinch. Climate extremes, including more intense and unpredictable rainfall, are putting increasing strain on farmers. And for shoppers, that means more expensive and less reliable access to essentials like fresh fruit. "Spain has reduced plantings by almost 50% over the last few years," Goodchild explained, which means any weather disruption hits harder. Lower yields and increased prices are likely to impact households across Europe, particularly as food inflation remains a major concern. In the bigger picture, it's yet another example of how our planet's warming climate is upending the systems we depend on — from transportation networks to food supply chains — and leaving both farmers and families to bear the cost. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Growers are adapting where they can, using protective infrastructure and testing climate-resilient strategies. But as these weather events become more frequent, broader changes are needed. Policy support for sustainable farming, improved irrigation, and regenerative soil practices are all critical to keeping food production steady in a shifting climate. Supporting local and seasonal produce can ease pressure on global supply chains. Cutting down food waste also makes a difference, especially when availability is tight. Additionally, growing your own food, even in small amounts, can reduce reliance on industrial farming and lower your carbon footprint. The short-term takeaway: Expect pricier berries for a bit. Long-term, a safer food future depends on how we respond to a changing climate. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sailor takes ninth place in first round-world race
A sailor for Cornwall has finished in ninth place in his first Vendee Globe, a non-stop race around the world. Sam Goodchild, 35, from Falmouth, suffered a torn mainsail when he was in fifth place in the closing leg of the 28,500 nautical mile (52,700km) race. But he repaired the sail at sea with glue, patches and reinforced plates and finished the race in 76 days and two hours. Goodchild, who started the race with 40 others in November, raised a bottle of champagne and waved a union jack on the deck of his yacht Vulnerable at the finish in Sables d'Olonne in western France. Goodchild was greeted by a large crowd of cheering well-wishers at the dockside. "Sam has been the star of this race," said Martin Loughrey, commenting on Facebook. "Superb effort under very trying conditions and always with a smile. We could all learn from this," said Tim Bolt. Goodchild also gave Dorset-based sailor Pip Hare a hug on the dock. Hare was forced to abandon the race after her yacht was dismasted off Australia. The only other British sailor in the race, Samantha Davies, is in 13th place. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Round-world sailor glues mainsail back together World racer's dream shattered as sail 'explodes' Snapped mast ends sailor's round-the-world race How to sail round the world, solo, non-stop Vendee Globe
BBC News
27-01-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Sam Goodchild aims to be first UK winner of Vendee Globe
Sailor Sam Goodchild, who came ninth in the gruelling Vendee Globe round-the-world sailing race, has set his sights on becoming the first British sailor to win the 35, from Falmouth, Cornwall, had a top five place snatched from him in the last leg of his first Vendee when his mainsail ripped in still managed to hold on for ninth place on Saturday and achieve a childhood dream of competing in the non-stop solo race which is held every four years."The aim is to come back in 2028 with a boat capable of winning and give it my best shot," he said. Winning the Vendee would surpass the achievements of fellow British sailors Alex Thompson and Ellen MacArthur, who both finished second in previous editions of the race."The bar is quite high for me," Goodchild 28,500 nautical mile (52,700km) race, which started in November from Sables d'Olonne in western France, created a number of challenges for Goodchild, who fixed the mainsail with glue while at sea in strong winds as fellow sailors overtook also had to free a sail from a foil, which extends from the hull, costing him more precious time."What's a little bit frustrating is to come so close to a top five, and then miss out in the last few days, but I guess that's the story of the Vendee Globe," he said."If it was easy and straightforward, and always went to plan then it'd be a lot less appealing as well."He added: "It's a race that can throw a lot at you."So the best thing you can do is put yourself in a winning position at the start and go from there." Goodchild admitted to initially being unsure about how he would cope with the solitude of spending more than two months at sea. He said: "The biggest surprise was that I enjoyed myself."I was worried it might feel really long, but I managed to enjoy it a lot more than I expected."The technical aspects of managing the boat also proved to be a significant challenge. "The boats are so technical and there's so much to manage," he said."You have to think about how hard to push them, especially in big seas and strong winds." Prioritising his wellbeing and the boat's condition was crucial."Managing yourself is really important," he said."There were times when I wasn't sleeping or eating enough, and I knew that, if a technical issue arose, I'd be exhausted. "Keeping the boat in one piece was also essential."Crossing the finish line was a surreal said: "We spent the whole day waiting for the wind and, when it finally came, we had to rush into the harbour. "There were thousands of people cheering, and it was overwhelming to see my family and so many supporters."Looking ahead to the next Vendee Globe, he said in the meantime he would enjoy outdoor activities such as kite foiling where he is now based in Lorient, added that he was looking forward to a kiting session with British gold medal winner Ellie Aldridge.
