After leading the Vendée Globe since December 30th, Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) is poised to claim his first official victory in the prestigious solo round-the-world race. With just 150 miles remaining, Dalin is expected to cross the finish line at Les Sables d’Olonne early Tuesday morning, marking the culmination of months of endurance, strategy, and determination.
This victory will be especially poignant for Dalin, who crossed the line first in the 2020-21 edition but was relegated to second after time compensation awarded to Yannick Bestaven. This time, Dalin is set to secure the undisputed title, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Home Waters, Familiar Challenges
As he sails the final stretch down the Brittany coast, Dalin reflects on the significance of navigating through his home waters. These are the seas where he honed his skills as a Figaro class sailor, launched his IMOCA career, and oversaw the construction of his race boat.
“We are sailing so close to my training waters… to be sailing close to Finistère where the boat is based and was built is pretty nice,” Dalin shared in his final audio update.
Despite the familiarity, the conditions remain challenging, with freezing temperatures and light winds requiring precise adjustments and unrelenting focus.
A Journey of Endurance
Reflecting on his experience, Dalin described the paradox of time during the Vendée Globe. The weeks seemed to fly by in the race’s early stages, but the final miles feel excruciatingly slow.
“It’s always the last miles that feel the longest… do the job, stay focused, rest, eat well, and trim the boat well. I’m still in my race, completely.”
This moment is the culmination of a journey marked by storms, isolation, and constant vigilance. Yet, it is also a time to savor the achievement of completing one of the most demanding events in sailing.
Anticipation Builds
As Dalin nears the finish, the lights of Les Sables d’Olonne and the welcoming sight of support boats will signal the transition from solitude to celebration. His arrival at the legendary Nouch Sud mark will mark the end of an epic adventure and the beginning of well-earned accolades.
For Dalin, this moment is not just a victory but the realization of a dream years in the making. His journey embodies the spirit of the Vendée Globe: resilience, skill, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
Stay tuned for the final moments of this thrilling race as Charlie Dalin steps into the history books as the winner of the 10th Vendée Globe.
