Andi Robertson YACHTS

More than one British solo offshore sailor is standing up to the task of beating the French at their own game - but it remains a constant learning curve

- Andi Robertson

It seems like both of Britain’s Sams are doing a great job of flying the flag in France. Sam Davies executed a really solid Vendée-Arctique-Les Sables d’Olonne race. In what will now be the only real warm-up for the imminent Vendée Globe, she drew on her substantial solo experience and good all-round speed to take fourth, the best placed of the older generation boats.

Then a few days later, Sam Goodchild won the 428 nautical mile Drheam Cup in his first season back Figaro racing, laying down a marker for September’s La Solitaire du Figaro.