A sailing enthusiast since childhood, Charlie Dalin covered the walls of his bedroom with his favorite skippers. Although he never completed the stages, the Norman quickly climbed the ranks to the point where, at the age of 40, he has one of the most significant records in ocean racing. Four years after his 2nd place in the Vendée Globe, Charlie has matured and distilled a little relaxation, pleasure and detachment in addition to his unfailing demands. Itinerary of a happy man.
Thursday January 28, 2021, Les Sables d’Olonne. It’s 5:35 a.m., the night is dark, the winter cold is stubborn, and Yannick Bestaven is mooring on the Vendée Globe pontoon. 4th on the line, 1st thanks to time compensation, he won the most famous world tour. In the rush of the moment, there is Charlie Dalin, who crossed the line the evening before. He, the unfortunate hero, missing victory for only 2h30. However, the Norman smiles, puts on a good face, agrees to be there, responds to the press, recalls the importance of the rules of the game. It is only afterwards, out of sight, that he repeats the running through his head. “ I woke up at night to find the minutes I missed », he recalls.
This episode alone tells the story of Charlie Dalin. A die-hard enthusiast capable of questioning each strategic choice but also a gentleman in his own way, so respectful of ocean racing and its demands. Originally, however, the Norman likes to recall that he “ comes from a family of earthlings “. His mother is a sales assistant, his father a tour manager for rock groups. Sailing is quite a combination of circumstances: a house rented one summer in Crozon by his grandparents, a sailing course there and Charlie immediately became a sea enthusiast. “ I immediately loved it, he confides. When I returned to Le Havre, I continued and joined a club in which I am still ».
