Sam Goodchild and Thomas Ruyant - Stronger Together

In a dynamic recent collaboration, renowned sailors Sam Goodchild and Thomas Ruyant have teamed up under Thomas Ruyant Racing (TR Racing). Goodchild, a standout from the last edition of The Ocean Race, and Ruyant, a competitor in the inaugural The Ocean Race Europe, are joining forces, embodying the team's philosophy of synergy and collaboration.

Ruyant is helming a new Antoine Koch/ Finot Conq-designed foiler, while Goodchild takes charge of Ruyant’s former IMOCA, a high-speed Giullaume Verdier design. This strategic setup aims to push the boundaries of performance and innovation in the IMOCA Class.

With a support team of 30 specialists, TR Racing has already achieved impressive results, securing seven podiums in their first season. This autumn, both skippers will compete in the Vendée Globe, with Ruyant aiming to improve his sixth-place finish and Goodchild preparing for his debut in this challenging solo round-the-world race. Their two-boat strategy in the lead up to the race allows for effective comparative testing, maximising efficiency and accelerating development.

Ruyant and Goodchild’s partnership is set to make waves. “We’re able to optimise our boats faster,” says Ruyant. Goodchild adds, “This setup is a massive advantage for my first Vendée Globe.”

As TR Racing pushes the boundaries of IMOCA racing, these skippers remain competitive yet collaborative, proving that when great minds sail together, anything is possible.