Already ill, Charlie Dalin had embarked on the Vendée Globe, which he won in January 2025. He died on Thursday at the age of 42 from cancer. Yann Eliès praised « his audacity, » « an exceptional sailor » and « a boat designer who will leave his mark. »
Charlie Dalin « was an exceptional person, an exceptional sailor, » said navigator Yann Eliès on Franceinfo and France Inter on Thursday, June 11, following the announcement of his death.(New window)Yann Eliès, winner of the 2024/2025 Vendée Globe, has died at the age of 42 from cancer. He expressed his « immense sadness ».
The Le Havre native was « an exceptional racer because he was capable of leading his boats to victory, but above all, a boat designer who will leave his mark, » explains Yann Eliès, who won the Transat Jacques-Vabre with him. « We were never worried with him; we knew he was going to design an outstanding machine for us, full of finesse and attention to detail. »
Charlie Dalin won the Vendée Globe in January 2025 despite knowing he was ill. Participating in this race « was the best decision he ever made, » says his friend, who praises his « audacity. » « The Vendée Globe victory was the pinnacle of his life; ultimately, it was what had driven him for the past 20 years. And thank goodness he made that decision , » the sailor believes. « The lesson of this victory is that you have to believe in your dreams, you mustn’t give up on them, » because « everything can end so quickly , » emphasizes Yann Eliès.
source : france info
