Sailing champion Charlie Dalin secures the win in the 2024/25 Vendée Globe sailing race, breaking a new competition record
Charlie Dalin has made history by winning the 2024 Vendée Globe race, setting a new record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the solo, non-stop, around-the-world race that covers approximately 45,000 kilometers[2][1][5].
Dalin's victory came after a series of setbacks and intense rivalries, making his triumph even more noteworthy. In 2016, he narrowly lost the Solitaire du Figaro to Yoann Richomme by just over five minutes after four stages of racing[3]. However, in the 2024 Vendée Globe, Dalin delivered a dominant performance from start to finish, shattering the previous race record set in 2016 by more than 9 days[1].
The journey was not without its challenges. Dalin faced setbacks in the lead-up to the race, including having to sit out two key transatlantic races in late 2023 due to a medical issue[4]. Despite these obstacles, Dalin's careful sail management and reliable boat proved decisive in the treacherous Southern Ocean. He made a bold decision to outrun a powerful low-pressure system in the Southern Ocean, a move that paid off handsomely[6].
Richomme, Dalin's long-time rival and training partner under the Skipper MACIF program, is currently all but assured of second place in the 2024 Vendée Globe, his first ever participation in the race[7]. The two sailors have a history of intense battles in the Figaro class, dating back nearly a decade[8].
Dalin's win serves as redemption for the disappointment he faced in the previous Vendée in 2021, where he was relegated to second place after time compensation was awarded to Yannick Bestaven for his role in rescuing Kevin Escoffier[5].
This victory also marks a second win for the French insurance giant MACIF, managed by MerConcept, an offshore racing powerhouse founded by 2012 Vendée Globe winner François Gabart[1]. The project under the MACIF banner began in the Figaro class for Dalin since 2015[9].
Dalin's second-place finish in the 2021 Vendée Globe and his win in the 2024 edition cement his place among the greats of offshore sailing. The website offering inspirational adventures and practical features for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors is the world's leading magazine in this field[10].
As Dalin crossed the finish line on January 14, 2025, at 08:24 am, he marked a significant achievement in this prestigious sailing competition[2][1]. The unexpected break allowed Dalin to take extended holidays in the Caribbean and spend nearly 20 days relaxing, which he believes helped him return sharper and more focused for the race[1].
[1] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2025/01/14/charlie-dalin-wins-vende%C3%A9e-globe-2024/ [2] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2025/01/14/charlie-dalin-sets-new-vendee-globe-record/ [3] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2016/07/18/richomme-wins-solitaire-du-figaro/ [4] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2024/12/15/dalins-health-issues-force-him-to-withdraw-from-transatlantic-races/ [5] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2021/03/01/dalin-finishes-second-in-vendee-globe-2021/ [6] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2024/12/20/dalin-takes-bold-decision-in-southern-ocean/ [7] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2024/12/28/yoann-richomme-on-track-for-second-place-in-vendee-globe-2024/ [8] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2015/07/18/richomme-and-dalin-battle-it-out-in-figaro-class/ [9] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/2015/01/01/macif-announces-figaro-team-for-2015/ [10] https://www.sailing-scoop.com/about/
