Key facts
- French sailor Charlie Dalin died at age 42 after a battle with cancer.
- Dalin won the Vendee Globe last year in a record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes.
- He was diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer in 2023 but kept it private.
- Dalin also finished second in the 2021 Vendee Globe.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and fellow sailor Yoann Richomme paid tribute to Dalin.
French sailor Charlie Dalin, a two-time competitor and record-holder in the Vendee Globe around-the-world race, has died at the age of 42 following a battle with cancer. Vendee Globe organizers confirmed his death on Thursday, prompting tributes from French President Emmanuel Macron and fellow sailor Yoann Richomme.
Dalin was diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer in 2023 but continued to compete, completing the 2024-25 Vendee Globe in a record-breaking time of less than 65 days. This performance shattered the previous mark by nearly 10 days and secured him the victory he narrowly missed in 2021.
In the 2021 edition, Dalin crossed the finish line first after 80 days at sea, but Yannick Bestaven was ultimately awarded the win due to a time bonus for assisting another competitor. Last year, Dalin achieved his long-sought victory, completing the grueling 24,000-nautical-mile race in 64 days, 19 hours, and 22 minutes, significantly surpassing Armel Le Cleac'h's prior record.
Richomme, who was Dalin's closest competitor in the recent race, expressed admiration for Dalin's perseverance and optimism in his fight against illness, recalling their shared history in sailing and their intense rivalry.