What revenge! After more than two months spent at sea, Charlie Dalin (Macif) was the first to touch land, this Tuesday January 14 in Les Sables-d’Olonne, and won, at the age of 40, the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. With style: his Imoca will have completed the affair in 64 days, 19 hours, 23 minutes, almost 10 less than the previous record established by Armel Le Cléac’h in 2016-2017 (74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds).
This is the second time that the Norman has crossed the finish line of the prestigious non-stop solo race. Except that in 2021, he was finally demoted to second: at the time, Yannick Bestaven, admittedly arriving later, had obtained a time bonus for having participated in the rescue operations of Kévin Escoffier. Dalin had finally given in, for less than three hours.
Since then, uplifted like never before, Dalin has won almost all the races and launched a new foil boat in June 2023, even more powerful and versatile than the previous one. Leader for more than 80% of the race, his victory was in little doubt after the final check-in at 3 p.m. Monday afternoon, with less than 135 miles (250 km) remaining. The navigator had a comfortable lead of 140 miles over his friend and former roommate Yoann Richomme (Paprec Arkéa). In other words: only damage could have allowed the Varois to catch up. Which was not the case.
Yoann Richomme is expected a little later in the day, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The party should last a few days, as more people arrive. Sébastien Simon, in 3rd position, is expected between Thursday and Friday to complete the podium.
