A RISING star of solo sailing said his plans to race around the world are on track after winning the newcomers’ division in a gruelling race around Europe.

Hampshire’s Jack Bouttell blitzed his competition to win the rookie division of the Solitaire du Figaro, a 2,000-mile, four-leg race which is regarded as the breeding ground of future stars.

The 22-year-old from Southampton finished four hours ahead of closest rival, Benoit Hochart, to take the victory.

Bouttell said the win kept his long-term goal of racing around the world very much alive.

He said: “By Leg 3 I had a good margin on the rookie division, but with the Solitaire it’s never over until it is over.

“Before the start I thought I could get podium, but never thought I’d win.

“My goal has always been to race around the world and sailing in the Figaro class is the first rung on the ladder to achieving the dream.

“The success and support I’ve had during my first Solitaire has definitely made me more determined to keep going with the Figaro and solo offshore sailing and get me that bit closer to making it around the world.”

Bouttell was not the only Hampshire sailor celebrating – Southampton’s Sam Goodchild, 23, scored the best ever result by a Brit in the race, finishing 11th overall.

Previously, the highest ranked British sailor was Phil Sharp who finished 18th in 2011.

Goodchild added: “The 2013 Solitaire du Figaro went a lot better for me that I had expected.

“To finish 11th overall was great and I definitely exceeded my own pre-race expectations.

“The next challenge for me is to find a sponsor, so that I can go into the 2014 race even more prepared, flexible and ready to race so that I can better my performance.”

The pair, both graduates of Britain’s offshore sailing school the Artemis Offshore Academy, were hailed by coach Marcus Hutchinson as the leading lights of British solo sailing.

Hampshire sailors Nick Cherry and Ed Hill were placed 17th and 32nd respectively.