FALMOUTH offshore sailor Sam Goodchild is back home after winning the second leg of the Global Ocean Race from South Africa to New Zealand.

Sam, aged 22, a former King Charles Primary School pupil, and his 28 year-old co-skipper, Conrad Colman were the youngest crew in this incredibly demanding double-handed race.

They encountered 48 knot winds, thick fog, freezing conditions and Southern Ocean squalls. After 30 days at sea, the two talented sailors arrived in Wellington over 36 hours ahead of their closest competitors.

Surprise

Sam said: "We never expected to win. When considering our chances, our aim was to give the top two boats (from Leg 1) a run for their money so, to be able to lead for over half the race was a pleasant surprise.

"My first sail in the boat was to the start line and I have only sailed on the boat once – it just happened to be a 7,000 mile race.

"It was a privilege to able to help Conrad to a leg win after what has been a tough nine months for his team, getting the boat to the start line with minimal time and budget."

As if winning ahead of such an experienced fleet wasn't enough, Sam and Conrad also set a new Global Ocean Race record.

In 24 hours they covered an amazing 359.1 miles, smashing the previous distance record on a Class 40 by nine miles.

Sam added: "We come from two different sailing backgrounds with myself in the Figaro Class and Conrad in the Mini 6.50s.

"Our two different experiences in offshore sailing worked well together, our skills complimented each other and despite both being solo sailors, strong-minded and stubborn, we got the result although communication was strained at times. But the end result was fantastic, we were able to keep the boat going and within its limits for the 7,000 miles. We had a tough time in the last 48 hours – approaching New Zealand we had the roughest sea state we have ever seen, we were in great fear of breaking the boat but, thankfully we had enough of a lead to be able to hold back and keep the boat in one piece, despite having to short tack in 40knots up the Cook Strait."

Now back at his Mum's house in Falmouth, Sam is looking forward to a few home comforts.

Sam: "As always when sailing offshore you learn to appreciate and crave the things that are normally taken for granted on dry land. I discovered Conrad was a vegetarian just before the start with out enough time to influence our food supplies so, my biggest craving was for meat as this was rare onboard the boat. I'm looking forward to enjoying a good Cornish pasty and a home-cooked roast – lamb with lots of mint sauce!"