Charlie Dalin made history by winning the 2024 Vendée Globe in a record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds. He thus beat the previous record of Armel Le Cléac’h, established in 2017, with a gap of almost ten days.
A spectacular arrival
This Tuesday morning, at 8:25 a.m., Charlie Dalin crosses the finish line aboard his monohull Macif. After 64 days at sea, the Norman ends his circumnavigation and places his name among the greatest navigators. “This is the most beautiful finish line of my career“, he confides, moved, after finding his family.
A revenge after 2020
With this great time, Charlie Dalin relegates Le Cléac’h’s record to oblivion. The latter, who took 74 days, 3 hours and 35 minutes in 2017, saw his time eclipsed. The navigator thus joins the legends of the Vendée Globe, alongside Michel Desjoyeaux, François Gabart and Titouan Lamazou.” I have been dreaming of this 2024 Vendée Globe since the day after the 2020 edition“, added Dalin.
Four years after his second place in 2020, where he failed due to the bonus system, Charlie Dalin finally won. This missed podium fueled the frustration of this discreet sailor, often placed but rarely victorious. “We had to get rid of it“, he confides, happy to have finally broken this curse.
-A close duel
The Vendée Globe 2024 was marked by a fierce duel between Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme, one of the big favorites. The latter, who has long been his main competitor, was unable to catch up with Dalin in the final straight. “He had a strategically brilliant race, notably in the Indian Ocean when he made a somewhat daring move ahead of a big storm off the coast of Kerguelen.“, indicated Armel Le Cléac’h, admiring the winner’s strategy.
Dalin’s second place in 2020 allowed him to strengthen himself mentally. “He knows what it’s like to be second“, comments Le Cléac’h. This steely mentality allowed him to overcome difficult moments and seek victory in the final moments.
Source : Lefigaro.fr
