M Charlie Dalin
Born on May 10, 1984, in Le Havre, France, Charlie Dalin discovered sailing at the age of six during a holiday in Brittany. This early passion led him to pursue a career in offshore racing. He graduated in naval architecture from the University of Southampton in 2006.
Dalin's racing career is marked by consistent excellence. After seven seasons in the Figaro circuit, he secured two "Champion de France Elite de Course au Large" titles in 2014 and 2016. In 2019, he transitioned to the IMOCA class with the sponsor Apivia, achieving first and second places in various events, including the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe and the 2022 Route du Rhum.
In the Vendée Globe 2020-2021, Dalin was the first to cross the finish line but officially finished second due to time compensation awarded to another competitor for their role in a rescue operation. This outcome fueled Dalin's determination to claim victory in the subsequent edition.
In 2023, Dalin launched his new IMOCA 60 monohull, MACIF Santé Prévoyance. The vessel quickly demonstrated its capabilities, winning the Rolex Fastnet Race and the New York Vendée. Dalin's intimate involvement in the design and development of his boats, leveraging his background in naval architecture, has been a consistent factor in his competitive edge.
The 2024-2025 Vendée Globe saw Dalin achieve a historic victory, completing the solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds. This remarkable feat shattered the previous record by over nine days. Throughout the race, Dalin led the fleet for 42 days, showcasing his exceptional skill and endurance. His success was attributed not only to his sailing prowess but also to the meticulous design and reliability of MACIF Santé Prévoyance, which he described as a "jewel" and credited his team for its impeccable condition.