Charlie Dalin takes revenge and wins the 2024 Vendée Globe in record time

Charlie Dalin, the skipper of Macif, has finally achieved his goal by winning the 2024 Vendée Globe, and in record time—64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds—surpassing the previous record by 10 days set by Armel Le Cléac’h. After finishing second in the 2021 edition, the 40-year-old sailor took his revenge and crossed the finish line in Les Sables-d’Olonne this Tuesday morning, around 8:30 a.m. A finish he will never forget, filled with emotions.

An emotional arrival

“I experienced a whirlwind of emotions,” Charlie Dalin confessed, visibly overwhelmed by the joy of this long-awaited victory. “Arriving with the daylight beginning to break, it was incredible, I had never experienced anything like it. It’s the most beautiful finish line of my career, by far.” This success is the culmination of four years of hard work alongside his team. It was a collective effort, where everyone put their energy into creating a high-performance boat. “The boat was perfect,” he added, acknowledging the total commitment of his team.

An intense adventure, but a boat in perfect condition

Departing on November 10, Charlie Dalin didn’t expect to experience such an intense adventure. “This victory is something unique. I’m really happy to be back in Les Sables with a record,” he explained. “It was such an intense race, it felt like I left yesterday, as if it was a 48-hour race.” Although the sea brought a few challenges, the boat remained in excellent condition, and he didn’t fail to thank his team, whom he considers the best in the world.

The skipper also took a moment to honor Yoann Richomme, his runner-up, who is expected to cross the finish line later in the day. “It was an incredible match with Yoann, hats off to him. It’s his first Vendée Globe, but he attacked like crazy. It’s thanks to him that we managed to complete the world tour in such a short time,” he said, highlighting the importance of this competition, which pushed him to give his best.

Looking ahead, Charlie Dalin is already preparing for the next edition, with the ambition of matching Michel Desjoyeaux, the only double winner of the race. “I’ll have to come back a third time to join him in the club,” he smiled. But for now, after this historic victory and the long-awaited revenge, Charlie Dalin is fully savoring his triumph.