Falmouth sailor Sam Goodchild is preparing to set off on the first leg of this year’s Solitaire du Figaro, and says he can’t wait to get going.

The Solitaire, a prestigious month-long offshore race, sees a fleet of 41 competitors race from Bordeaux on Sunday, June 2,  before moving on to Gijon in Spain, then returning to the French coast for the final leg to Dieppe at the end of June.

"I’m feeling ok," Sam said on Tuesday morning, "a bit nervous as it’s been a lot of preparation and it’s not going to be easy, and I really want to make improvements from last year. There are enough things to do to keep preoccupied but not stressed, and the atmosphere in Bordeaux is incredible, the crowds and appreciation is huge.”

Sam will be up against some of the best Figaro sailors in the world, and while winning outright might a little too ambitious a target, he's not there simply to make up the numbers.

“It's fantastic to be sailing against such great sailors, we are here to race alongside them and learn from them, means we will know where we are compared to the best. That's why we are here!” Sam said.

Sam, one of only six non-French sailors, will be competing in his boat Shelter Box, named in honour of the Helston-based charity.

“It's a fantastic charity that I really agree with what they do and how they do it,” he said. “I would love to volunteer to help them out as one of their response teams, but haven’t had the time yet. So, hopefully I can do a bit towards raising their profile and in turn donations so they can better help more disasters.”

Asked whether he’s made any changes for the Solitaire, Sam said it was business as usual - save for one important difference.

“I have taken a big risk and replaced my love for dried mango with pineapple - so hopefully there won’t be any disasters on that front!”

Keep up to date with Sam’s progress in the Solitaire du Figaro throughout June online, and each week in the Packet.