Charlie Dalin, skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance, is pictured after winning the 2024 Vendée Globe, on January 14, 2025 in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. Image courtesy of Jean-Marie Liot and Alea.

Charlie Dalin, skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance, has won the 2024 Vendée Globe, crossing the finish line this morning (Tuesday 14 January 2025) at 07:24 UTC. Dalin, who led the solo, non-stop, round-the-world sailing race for a total of 42 days, including an uninterrupted stretch from 30 December, secured victory after navigating light winds off the Brittany coast during the final night.

Dalin completed the race in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds, smashing the previous record set in 2016 by Armel Le Cléac’h by 9 days, 8 hours, 12 minutes and 57 seconds. It’s a career-best result for 40-year-old Dalin, originally from Le Havre, who placed second in the 2020-2021 edition.

Before stepping ashore in Les Sables d’Olonne, Dalin will wait for the tide to rise this afternoon to navigate the Les Sables d’Olonne channel. This marks the end of an epic journey that began on 10 November 2024.

Charlie Dalin

Charlie Dalin pictured on MACIF Santé Prévoyance earlier this month.

The final hours of the race required Dalin to maintain composure while sailing through light conditions from the Pointe of Brittany to Les Sables d’Olonne. Passing through familiar waters near Concarneau and the Glénan Islands, Dalin encountered France’s Marine Nationale and coaches from his training group, remaining focused until crossing the Nouch Sud finish line.

Support boats began escorting Dalin at 05:00 UTC, with live broadcasts showing MACIF Santé Prévoyance sailing closehauled in light winds under overcast skies. Footage captured the scene of support vessels accompanying Dalin’s yacht during the final miles of the course.

After completing the last few tacks, Dalin crossed the finish line at 07:24 UTC to win the 10th Vendée Globe. Following his arrival, he could relax, welcome loved ones on board and prepare for the channel entry later in the day.

The race continues in the coming days and weeks, with Paprec Arkéa skipper Yoann Richomme now 106nm off the finish in second position.

Race statistics

  • Finish time: Tuesday 14 January 2025, 07:24 UTC
  • Race duration: 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, 49 seconds
  • Theoretical course: 23,905 miles, average speed 15.37 knots
  • Actual course: 27,668 miles, average speed 17.79 knots

Race milestones

  • 11 November 2024: Dalin first takes the lead, holding it for one day.
  • 17 November 2024: Positioned 27th, 210 miles behind leader Jean Le Cam.
  • 29 November 2024: Leads at the Cape of Good Hope, setting a new record for the Equator-to-Cape segment (7 days, 18 hours, 39 minutes).
  • 4 December 2024: Navigates a strong depression in the Indian Ocean, opening a gap alongside Sébastien Simon.
  • 9 December 2024: Leads at Cape Leeuwin with a new record between Good Hope and Leeuwin (9 days, 22 hours, 27 minutes).
  • 17 December 2024: Loses the lead briefly to Yoann Richomme and Sébastien Simon.
  • 23 December 2024: Rounds Cape Horn in second place, 9 minutes and 30 seconds behind Richomme.
  • 30 December 2024: Regains the lead in the South Atlantic, maintaining it until the finish.
  • 5 January 2025: Crosses the equator in first place.
  • 14 January 2025: Wins the 10th Vendée Globe.

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