After finishing second in the previous edition of the Vendée Globe Dalin set out from Les Sables-d'Olonne in a powerful new boat that he had helped to design himself – and with a point to prove.
Only his family, close friends, and shoreside support team knew that he was ill and would have to self-administer immunotherapy medication throughout the race.
Despite that additional challenge, he won comfortably. After seeing off sustained challenges from his fellow French rivals Yoann Richomme and Sébastien Simon in the storms of the Southern Ocean, Dalin arrived back in France first – beating the previous record by almost ten days.
That hard-earned victory earned him the 2025 Rolex World Sailor of the Year award.
Born in Le Havre, France, Dalin discovered his love for the sea at the age of six on a family sailing holiday along the coast of Brittany, and went on to train as a naval architect. After serving his time on the Mini Transat and Figaro circuits – and after claiming two Champion de France Elite de Course au Large titles (2014 and 2016) – he ultimately graduated to the IMOCA world, where he inevitably quickly became a key contender.
As well as his two notable Vendée Globe performances, Dalin also won the IMOCA Globe Series titles in 2021 and 2022, as well as taking first places in the 2022 Vendée Arctique, the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre, and the 2012 Transat AG2R.
“Charlie leaves an indelible mark on the history of the Vendée Globe, through his talent and his fighting spirit, both on the ocean and in the face of the ordeal he faced,” said Vendée Globe president Alain Lebœuf.
“Behind the champion, I do not forget the man, and the respect he inspired from all those who knew him. I think of his wife, his son, his whole family. On behalf of the entire organisation, I send them my support, my deep respect and all my affection at this time.”
Dalin's passing means the sailing world has lost a key protagonist way too soon. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences go out to his friends and family.
