Discovering Charlie Dalin: 5 Key Facts About the Vendée Globe Champion and Record Holder

Charlie Dalin, captain of Macif, has won the 10th Vendée Globe, completing his solo circumnavigation in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds. Born in Le Havre in 1984, Dalin’s sailing journey began at age six. He broke previous records and overcame psychological challenges with coach Jean-Pascal Cabrera. His victory comes with a prize of 200,000 euros from an 800,000 euro pool, with rewards for other top finishers as well.

Charlie Dalin Triumphs in Vendée Globe

In a spectacular display of sailing prowess, Charlie Dalin, the captain of Macif from Le Havre, has clinched victory in the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. He sailed across the finish line in Les Sables-d’Olonne, completing a daunting solo journey around the world in an impressive 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds.

Get to Know Charlie Dalin

Born on May 10, 1984, in Le Havre, Charlie Dalin’s journey into sailing began at the tender age of six during a family vacation in Brittany. His first encounter with an optimist—a small solo sailing boat—sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. Over the years, he steadily progressed through various categories and types of boats.

Alongside his sailing adventures, Charlie pursued a degree in naval architecture at the prestigious Southampton school, a favorite among aspiring architects in the maritime field. He graduated in 2006, at just 22 years old, equipping him with invaluable knowledge about ship design that he later applied to the construction of his own boat for the Vendée Globe.

Moreover, Charlie is happily married to Perrine and is a devoted father to their six-and-a-half-year-old son, Oscar. In a touching moment shared with Paris Match, he recounted how he maintained a bond with his family during his 2021 voyage by reading bedtime stories to Oscar via video call while his wife turned the pages of the book.

A Record-Breaking Achievement

With his remarkable finish, Charlie Dalin has made history in the Vendée Globe, breaking the previous record set by Armel Le Cléac’h in 2017, which was 74 days, 3 hours, and 35 minutes. Not only did he set a new benchmark, but he also surpassed Yannick Bestaven’s winning time from the last edition by over two weeks, as well as his own previous record.

Though he had crossed the finish line first in 2021, he ultimately finished second due to time compensation given to competitors who assisted in the rescue of Kévin Escoffier, whose boat sank. This year’s victory was especially sweet for Dalin, as he had trained intensively for over two years to achieve this goal.

In preparation for the Vendée Globe, Charlie worked closely with his mental coach, Jean-Pascal Cabrera, to conquer the psychological challenges of the race. They developed tailored mental routines to help him face fatigue, self-doubt, and distractions, ensuring he was ready for the intense solitude of the ocean.

Prizes Await the Champion

This 10th edition of the Vendée Globe has a total prize pool of 800,000 euros, with 50% designated for the top three finishers. Charlie Dalin’s victory will earn him a well-deserved 200,000 euros, while Yoann Richomme, expected to arrive shortly, will receive 140,000 euros for his performance. The third-place finisher will take home 100,000 euros, and even the tenth place will secure a prize of 15,000 euros, slightly below the entry fee of 20,000 euros. The remaining 100,000 euros will be shared among the last 24 participants.

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