Frenchman Charlie Dalin wins the 10th Vendée Globe circumnavigation. He beats the record from 2017 by almost ten days.
14.01.2025, 11:26
SDA
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- Charlie Dalin sailed around the world in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds in the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe.
- He beat the record from 2017 by almost ten days.
- Switzerland's Justine Mettraux is currently ranked in ninth place and should reach the finish line in just over a week.
The Frenchman set a record for the solo and non-stop race with a time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds.
Dalin started in western France on November 10 and crossed the finish line in Les Sables-d'Olonne at sunrise at 8:25 am to the sound of the horns of a large convoy of boats. He led for most of the course and is expected to have a half-day lead over compatriot Yoann Richomme.
Switzerland's Justine Mettraux is currently classified in ninth place and should reach the finish in just over a week.
Dalin actually first this time
The Frenchman was relegated to second place four years ago. Instead, his compatriot Yannick Bestaven emerged triumphant because he had received a time credit for taking part in the search for capsized sailor Kevin Escoffier. Dalin was two and a half hours behind at the time.
The defeat in 2021 bothered the 40-year-old for a long time. He often wondered where he might have lost the crucial minutes. Yoann Richomme, his toughest opponent at this year's event, had already recognized Dalin as the winner a few days ago: "The scenario of the last Vendée Globe was unfair for Charlie, he deserves this victory."
"I have never experienced such emotions"
Now Dalin, who comes from a family of landlubbers, as he says himself, has done it: victory and record with 64 days, 19 hours and just under 23 minutes. Technological developments have made it possible: at the first event 35 years ago, the winner only returned to land after 109 days.
"I have never experienced such emotions. It was amazing, that finish line with the daylight slowly breaking through. I had never experienced that before in my life, it was incredible. It was by far the most beautiful finish line of my career," Dalin told the organizers while still at sea on Tuesday morning.
"I've been dreaming of this Vendée Globe 2024 since the day after the Vendée Globe 2021. I've been fighting with the team for four years, we've worked hard, we've given everything to build this great boat. We live for it and now the time has come, we have achieved the goal."
