“Charlie Dalin had won the Vendée Globe whilst quietly fighting another battle. France pays tribute to a great sailor, a man of rare courage, a beacon on the high seas.” So wrote French President Emmanuel Macron On the death of Charlie Dalin on 11 June – 512 days after the greatest triumph of his career.
Macron’s final tribute to Charlie Dalin was one of hundreds of thousands of moving tributes and heartfelt tributes paid to the exceptional sailor. Charlie Dalin’s story touched, inspired and captivated people who are now mourning his loss. The news of his death came as a shock to many. His fellow sailor Boris Herrmann will also miss the highly successful ocean sailor. That Charlie Dalin who, in the last Vendée Globe – already ill, but incredibly strong-willed – set the record straight and brought his own story with the Vendée Globe to a close had.
Boris Herrmann holds Charlie Dalin dear to his heart
Boris Herrmann said: “I think of Charlie with great respect. Perhaps it is only with the passing of time that we will fully grasp the scale of his tremendous achievement. Our thoughts are with his wife Perrine, his son, his family, his friends, the Macif Santé Prévoyance and MerConcept teams, and everyone who worked alongside him, admired him and loved him.”
“The class, my team and I will all hold a special place in our hearts for him, to honour his memory.” Boris Herrmann
Charlie Dalin leaves behind his wife Perrine, his son Oscar, his family, his friends and a huge sailing and fan community in mourning. The Le Havre-born ocean explorer and brilliant, innovative naval architect was taken from us far too soon. The IMOCA class stated: “At the age of 42, Charlie Dalin fought bravely against cancer, which he had been diagnosed with before setting sail on his triumphant Vendée Globe in 2024. The fact that he finished the race and won it in a new record time was a testament to his courage and skill as an athlete, sailor and human being, driven by his love of the sea and boats.”
“We would like to thank Charlie for everything he has done for our sport and for the class. We will all miss him.” Imoca class
Yoann Richomme, Charlie Dalin’s fiercest rival in the legendary 2024/2025 Vendée Globe and his long-time companion, paid tribute to his compatriot, writing: “What a remarkable battle you have fought against this cruel disease. I am deeply impressed by your perseverance and optimism, right up until your final days.”
Yoann Richomme misses his friend, their laughter, and their shared determination
Richomme and Dalin had known each other for a long time and were on very good terms; they had great respect for one another and pushed each other to excel. Richomme wrote: “Our battles on the water, starting with our first tacks in the Figaro class, eventually led us to that fierce competition during the last Vendée Globe, which thrilled us so much. I have cherished the years we spent together, the hearty laughter we shared, and our shared determination to always give our best on the water.”
You’ll be missed, you’ll be missed! Fair winds, my friend.” Yoann Richomme
Boris Herrmann’s co-skipper, Cole Brauer, did not hide her tears as she a clip of Charlie Dalin's triumphant arrival after his victory in the Vendée Globe on 14 January 2025. She said: “For us solo sailors, it’s never easy to do what we do. But Charlie did it whilst he had cancer.”
Charlie Dalin leaves an “indelible mark”
Commenting on the victory photos of Charlie Dalin that she showed, Cole Brauer said: “The video is from the morning when Charlie crossed the finish line, smashed the Vendée Globe record, won the Vendée Globe and became the fastest monohull sailor to sail solo and non-stop round the world – and all this despite suffering from cancer. It’s pretty incredible.”
“Your name has gone down in history. Time to take a break.” Cole Brauer
The organisers of the race, for which Charlie Dalin had become synonymous over the past decade, also paid a heartfelt tribute to their late star. President Alain Lebœuf wrote in a statement: “Through his talent and fighting spirit – both on the ocean and in the face of the ordeal he had to endure – Charlie leaves an indelible mark on the history of the Vendée Globe. Behind the champion, I will not forget the man and the respect he inspired in all those who knew him.”
“Charlie Dalin has inspired generations of sailors – and, beyond that, all those who have followed his exploits. His life and example will continue to inspire.” Alain Lebœuf
Media around the world reacted strongly to the death of the Vendée Globe champion, who is often described as the most successful figure in the modern era of solo sailing. The daily newspaper *Ouest France* ran the headline “Charlie Dalin, passionate sailor and hero of ocean races”. Speaking to Paris Match, Tony Estanguet, Olympic canoeing champion and chairman of the organising committee for the Paris Olympics, spoke for many on the death of Charlie Dalin: “This is a shock and sad news.”
The champion of champions: Charlie Dalin was named World Sailor of the Year
Tony Estanguet had the opportunity to meet the Vendée Globe winner at Dali’s coronation as Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2025, and recalls the encounter in his article for Paris Match: “I really enjoyed those few minutes. He was proud of his trophy, yet at the same time humble. The jury members had awarded him the title unanimously. And that was a first, even though he had to beat a whole host of champions to win it.”
Now the “beacon on the open sea” has gone out. And yet the name Charlie Dalin will continue to shine for generations to come. A great sailor has left us. His outstanding life’s work remains. And with it, many personal memories, which his companions and fans are currently sharing on social media.
YACHT photographer Andreas Lindlahr also recalls an encounter 17 years ago following the death of Charlie Dalin. Andreas Lindlahr wrote: “Terribly sad. I got to know and admire Charlie a little during our Mini Transat together in 2009. We were moored side by side in La Rochelle and helped each other out. He arrived in Brazil in second place in the series standings in a rather worn-out but perfectly prepared Pogo 2. He was lightning fast and very ambitious. RIP Charlie.”
One of the many official and private video tributes to the death of Charlie Dalin:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
