A FALMOUTH sailor is just past the halfway mark of an epic race from France to Brazil.

Sam Goodchild and co-skipper Eric Bellion have moved into seventh place in the IMOCA class in the 60ft Stand As One and are due to complete their voyage on November 16, three days before Sam's 26th birthday.

They are currently working their way through the Doldrums, an area of low pressure around the equator in which there is often very little wind.

Sam is the youngest sailor in the IMOCA fleet and it is his first attempt at a double-handed race. They are competing against some of the world's best offshore sailors.

For regular updates on his progress, visit his facebook page samgoodchildracing.