Défi Azimut Speed Runs: Sam Goodchild on Macif Santé Prévoyance clocks 32.1 knot average speed

Sam Goodchild won the first act of the Défi Azimut speed runs aboard Macif Santé Prévoyance, averaging 32.1 knots over the day’s runs near Lorient. After a slow start due to very light conditions, winds strengthened about an hour in as the 17-boat IMOCAs gathered near the island of Groix. With ideal wind and sea conditions, Goodchild beat the 2023 record time set by Jérémie Beyou on Charal. The pace shifted again at 3 p.m., when the thermal breeze arrived and appendage-equipped boats began to hydroplane, producing sharp acceleration. Several crews used the sprints to fine-tune trim for stability in flight, leading to a tight points battle behind the winner.