© Jean-Marie Liot / Alea #VG2024
French skipper Charlie Dalin has claimed a historic victory in the 2024 Vendée Globe, completing the legendary solo, non-stop race around the world in a record-breaking time. Dalin crossed the finish line off Les Sables d’Olonne this Tuesday morning at 07:24 UTC, after battling through light winds along the Brittany coast during the final night of the race.
A Race for the History Books
Sailing aboard MACIF Santé Prévoyance, Dalin clocked an incredible time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds. This shatters the previous record set in 2016 by Armel Le Cléac’h by an astounding 9 days, 8 hours, 12 minutes, and 57 seconds.
Over the course of the race, Dalin led the fleet for 42 days, demonstrating unmatched consistency and resilience. The 40-year-old sailor from Le Havre, France, achieved this career-defining triumph after finishing second in the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe.
Dalin’s victory also underscores the technical excellence of his preparation and the outstanding performance of his IMOCA-class yacht, which proved vital in navigating challenging conditions across the Southern Ocean and the Atlantic.
Navigating the Final Miles
Despite his commanding lead, the closing hours of Dalin’s race were far from relaxed. Light winds off the Brittany coast required him to remain focused and composed until the very end. Sailing past familiar landmarks like Concarneau and the Glénan Islands, Dalin received a spectacular escort by France’s Marine Nationale and a fleet of brightly lit support boats in the final miles.
At 07:24 UTC, Dalin finally crossed the famous Nouch Sud finish line, marking a decisive win in the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. Overwhelmed by emotion, he released his sails, welcomed loved ones aboard, and savored the first moments of his record-breaking triumph.
A Day of Celebration Awaits
The celebrations are set to continue as Dalin ascends the iconic Les Sables d’Olonne channel early this afternoon. Greeted by cheering crowds, the skipper will step ashore for the first time since the race began on Sunday, November 10th, to relish his extraordinary achievement.
This monumental victory solidifies Charlie Dalin’s place in sailing history as the fastest solo navigator in the Vendée Globe’s storied history.
