MACIF IMOCA Skipper Change for 2026
Alexandra
MACIF Santé Prévoyance will adjust its 2026 campaign logistics after MACIF confirmed on 29 January 2026 that Charlie Dalin will not compete in the 2026 IMOCA Globe Series, requiring immediate changes to crew rotations, berth allocations and support-vessel schedules for major events such as the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe.
Skippering handover and operational implications
Sam Goodchild has been assigned to take the helm of MACIF Santé Prévoyance for the 2026 season and into the 2027–2030 cycle. This shift affects not only on-water leadership but also the shore-side organization that maintains supply chains for spares, repairs and shorecrew deployment. Goodchild’s appointment accelerates the need to finalise provisioning lists, freight bookings for replacement components and the timing of technical stopovers between regattas.
Why the change matters for event logistics
The IMOCA circuit relies on tightly coordinated port calls, local technical partners and timely customs clearance for composite parts and foils. With Dalin stepping back from racing duties on medical advice, the team will:
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- Reschedule key training windows to integrate Goodchild’s command style;
- Reassign shorecrew and optimise travel itineraries to maintain readiness for the Globe Series;
- Confirm spare-part inventories and freight manifests to avoid delays at marinas and repair yards.
Continued technical involvement by Charlie Dalin
Although not racing solo in 2026, Charlie Dalin will remain actively involved with the project. He will collaborate with the design office on the development of Goodchild’s future IMOCA, due to launch next year. Dalin’s operational knowledge from multiple high-level campaigns will feed into technical choices, performance development and the team’s long-term strategy—an example of how personnel continuity supports technical supply chains and design timelines.
Timeline and responsibilities
| Year | Skipper / Role | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sam Goodchild (skipper), Charlie Dalin (technical advisor) | Campaign leadership, Globe Series, Route du Rhum participation |
| 2027–2030 | Sam Goodchild (2027–2030 cycle) | New IMOCA launch, long-term performance strategy |
Sporting and commercial effects
The skipper change has consequences across racing, sponsorship visibility and charter planning. From a commercial standpoint, sponsors and partners depend on predictable event exposure and social media campaigns timed to racing milestones. From a sporting view, the team must manage the integration of a new race commander while preserving boat performance and crew cohesion.
Key considerations for technical and support teams
- Design continuity: Dalin’s involvement with the design office helps preserve accumulated knowledge on hull dynamics and foil integration.
- Supply chain stability: Advance procurement of consumables, fasteners and custom parts reduces the risk of in-season shortages.
- Marina coordination: Rebooking berths, shore power and cranage slots becomes a priority ahead of transatlantic legs.
How this ripples into sailing and the charter market
High-profile changes in the IMOCA circuit influence wider perceptions of offshore sailing safety, crew fitness standards and vessel readiness. For the rental and charter sector, attention to skipper availability, maintenance regimes and insurance conditions can increase. Companies and private owners who offer charter options may see demand for experienced captains and well-documented maintenance histories rise—factors that affect pricing, availability and booking lead times.
Practical takeaways for renters and holiday planners
- Confirm skipper credentials and recent offshore experience when booking a long-range charter.
- Verify maintenance records and spares provisions for longer voyages, especially in remote anchorages.
- Anticipate schedule shifts: major events and crew changes can alter marina availability during peak seasons.
Team statements and positioning
MACIF stated that Dalin’s decision follows medical consultations and a focus on recovery. Dalin indicated that solo offshore racing is not currently possible for him, but he remains available to sail with a crew alongside Goodchild and to contribute to the programme. Goodchild described taking the helm as both an honour and a responsibility, crediting the groundwork laid by Dalin and signalling readiness to represent MACIF at the highest level.
Operational checklist for supporters and suppliers
| Area | Immediate Action | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| Parts & spares | Audit inventory; place expedited orders for critical items | Technical manager |
| Berth & cranage | Confirm marina bookings for next five regattas | Logistics lead |
| Travel & accommodation | Reissue crew travel plans and per diems | Team coordinator |
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In summary, the 2026 skipper change at MACIF Santé Prévoyance reshapes operational plans across logistics, design collaboration and event readiness. Dalin’s withdrawal from solo racing will reallocate roles but preserves his technical input for the next-generation IMOCA, while Sam Goodchild steps up to lead the campaign. For sailors, charterers and marine suppliers, the episode reinforces the importance of robust supply chains, verified skipper experience and flexible booking arrangements. Whether you are looking for a yacht charter, a day boat rental at the beach, or a longer offshore voyage on a superyacht or smaller sailboat, platforms that prioritise transparency—showing make, model, reviews and availability—help you plan better. From marinas to clearwater anchorages, fishing spots to gulf passages, GetBoat.com supports booking and buying choices for yacht, charter and boat enthusiasts worldwide, making sailing, yachting and boating adventures more accessible and dependable.
