Top yachtsman Mike Golding is in Les Sables d’Lonne to meet leading British Vendee Globe sailor Sam Davies, who is due to finish the solo, non-stop race around the world tonight or tomorrow.

Mike said: “As the first British sailor, Sam Davies, now approaches the finish line of the Vendee Globe in Les Sables d’Olonne, for what we hope to be a podium finish on the water (pending the application of the time allowance for Safran), we can begin to celebrate her fantastic success in the race. Many, including myself had predicted that Sam would do really well; her personal and technical preparation seemed to be a model of readiness for the event. My training partner Dee is currently lying in 6th position, and has also had a tremendous race.”

“Overall the Vendee Globe has delivered everything expected of it and much more but above all it has produced an unexpected outcome – which is great! If it was predicable it wouldn’t be fascinating to follow and that for me is exactly what the Vendee Globe should be. This is what makes the race compelling to the millions who have followed it and such a passion to the individual skippers.”