Sailor in round-the-world race shares Christmas treat

A Cornish sailor enjoyed a Christmas treat as he raced in a round-the-world event.

Sam Goodchild, 34, from Falmouth, is sailing in the 24,300-mile (39,100km) Vendee Globe race and is currently in 10th place.

The 40 racers, who set off from France on 10 November, are now down to 36 after four were forced to abandon the event. They include Pip Hare from Dorset whose boat Medallia was dismasted in the Southern Ocean.

On Christmas Day, Mr Goodchild shared with his followers that he was feasting on a home-made cake that his mother made before he set off.

Mr Goodchild's current position in the racing fleet means he has a chance of being the first of the 13 non-French sailors to reach the finish at Les Sables d'Olonne in France, according to his team.

Mr Goodchild, who told organisers in an online chat that he had also spoken to his family and thanked his mother Judy for her cake.

"It's got icing and everything, thanks mum," he said.

"We are now in a little pack and we'll probably reach Cape Horn, Chile, together and we should be there in three days," he said in the live chat.

"I'm looking forward to the Atlantic."

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