It will not be a “normal” reception for the soloists at the Vendée Arctique. The organisers are joining the global sailing community in mourning and are dedicating their finale to the Imoca maestro, who died far too young at the age of 42 Charlie Dalin. Following many touching responses Thanks to Charlie Dalin’s family, friends, fellow competitors and fans, the final leg of the race from Les Sables-d’Olonne to the Arctic Circle and back will also be dedicated to Charlie Dalin, who passed away on 11 June.
Vendée Arctique: a grand finale for Charlie Dalin
As Winner of the 2024 Vendée Globe, but also as an exceptional sailor, competitor and innovative trailblazer, Charlie Dalin had earned the admiration, respect and deep affection of everyone whose path he crossed. The skippers, teams, partners, volunteers and organisers of the Vendée Arctique have therefore decided to pay tribute to him together, in recognition of Charlie Dalin’s outstanding life’s work within the offshore racing community.
Even as the first competitors arrive, the solo sailors are set to be greeted with a number of symbolic gestures. All members of the organising team will wear black armbands bearing a message that is as clear as it is beautiful: “Merci, Charlie.” In the Race Village in Les Sables-d’Olonne, the Vendée Globe trophy will be displayed alongside a photograph of the skipper, who was born in Le Havre.
Visitors can also pause there to pay tribute to the sailor who left a lasting mark on and inspired an entire generation of ocean sailors. This memorial area will remain open until the prize-giving ceremony. As the yachts of the IMOCA fleet sail up the famous channel from Les Sables d’Olonne, the skippers will be greeted by a guard of honour made up of volunteers involved in the town’s major sailing events. It is a symbolic tribute to a sailor who has shaped the sport both through his achievements and through his character as a person.
For the finale: black sashes, white ribbons
White ribbons will be handed out to spectators lining the canal, whilst several boats will also display this symbol of remembrance as they approach the finish line. Throughout the Race Village, the message “Merci, Charlie” will be displayed across the event areas, so that everyone can take part in this tribute.
Next week, on Thursday 18 June at 6.00 pm, all skippers will gather for a moment of remembrance before the prize-giving ceremony. There will be a minute’s silence before a video is shown retracing Charlie Dalin’s victorious arrival in Les Sables-d’Olonne during the 2024 Vendée Globe. The accompanying music is “The Earth is round” already selected by Orelsan.
Only then will the sporting celebrations for this year’s Vendée Arctique – Les Sables d’Olonne begin. In their planning, the organisers are seeking to reconcile the sense of mourning prevailing within the sailing community with the race finale, which is usually a stormy and enthusiastic affair in Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Thomas Ruyant: “You were the greatest!”
According to a statement from the organisers, “this year, however, these arrivals will also evoke a different emotion”. The organisers wrote: “Behind the applause with which the sailors are welcomed ashore lies a shared desire to honour the memory of a man whose legacy extends far beyond results and trophies.”
This is how his fellow competitors have continued to pay tribute to him since Charlie Dalin’s death. Imoca veteran Thomas Ruyant, who fought so many thrilling battles with Charlie Dalin, wrote: “To my greatest rival: you were the greatest! Thank you for pushing the boundaries of our sport.”
As the French magazine L’Equipe paid tribute to Charlie Dalin:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
