French sailor Charlie Dalin has died at the age of 42 after a long battle with cancer. The news was announced on Thursday, June 11, by his family and the organizers of the Vendee Globe.
Dalin set the overall record for the solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world sailing race in January 2025. He completed the grueling competition in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, finishing more than nine days and eight hours ahead of the previous record. This victory occurred while Dalin had been battling cancer for two years, having won the race weeks after being diagnosed with a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer.
His competitive sailing career spanned more than two decades, including victories in transatlantic races such as the Transat Jacques Vabre and La Transat en Double. The January 2025 win was Dalin's second appearance in the Vendee Globe, having previously finished second in 2020-21.
Alain Leboeuf, president of the Vendee Globe, said that Dalin leaves an indelible mark on the history of the competition through his talent and fighting spirit both on the ocean and in the face of his ordeal. Leboeuf also extended his support, respect, and affection to Dalin's wife, son, and entire family.