Charlie Dalin, leading the Vendée Globe, stands on the cusp of a historic moment. Now less than 130 miles from Les Sables d’Olonne, he moves forward with a mix of exhilaration and caution. Every maneuver is executed with absolute precision, every gust carefully analyzed. The weather, favorable yet somewhat unstable, seems to offer him a smooth passage to the end of this extraordinary adventure. Still, he remains laser-focused on every detail, fully aware that despite his lead, a technical issue could jeopardize his success.
The thought of becoming the first to complete this non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race inspires a quiet pride, tempered by a restraint shaped by years of experience. Yet, the final miles feel endless: the anticipation of relief heightens every moment and makes each remaining stretch feel heavier. After 64 days at sea, the end of this journey promises to be unique—a mix of closure to a long-awaited conclusion, the fulfillment of an incredible feat, and the bittersweet emotion of leaving behind a stripped-down life devoted to the essentials.
Tomorrow, between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., according to the latest estimates, the skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance will cross the final boundaries of this challenge. For this relentless competitor, the moment will represent far more than a sporting victory: it will be a triumph against the ocean, his rivals, and himself. By completing this challenge, he will remind us all that the greatness of a sailor is measured not only by victories but by their ability to surpass themselves, to learn, and to dream ever bigger.
Charlie Dalin: So Close, Yet So Far
For Charlie Dalin, the temptation to let his mind wander to what awaits him—familiar faces, warm smiles, and the words that will break the solitude of his final moments—is strong. Yet the skipper knows better than anyone: thinking about the finish line too soon risks losing focus on the present. With only a few miles to go, every minute feels stretched. Time, which seemed to fly during the first weeks of the race, now feels heavy. As if the journey, in a final act, is reluctant to let go of the one who is about to leave it. “When you’re close to the destination, time seems to pass a little slower,” Charlie remarked. This statement, tinged with philosophy and experience, perfectly captures the strange paradox of the final moments of such a titanic challenge. After more than 64 days of solo sailing, facing storms, doldrums, and the immensity of the ocean, the sailor from Le Havre faces one last test: the test of waiting.
Suspended in Time
This waiting, however, is not idle. Every mile covered is a victory but also a reminder of the colossal effort it took to get here. The unstable, light winds slow his progress, prolonging the tension that accompanies the end of his journey. Yet he holds nothing back. The skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance trims his sails with the same precision as on the first day, aware that nothing is certain until the line is crossed. Tomorrow morning, barring a mishap or an incredible twist of fate, he will become the winner of the 10th edition of this non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race. But for now, he remains fully committed, focused, and almost suspended in this dilated time where the destination feels both near and far. This paradox is reflected in his words: “The wind is rather soft right now. It’s coming from the east, which will allow me to tack a few times to reach Les Sables d’Olonne. I’m trying to find the right balance to keep the boat at a decent speed.” The capricious wind at the end of the course demands constant adjustments.
Between Precision and Humility
“It’s always the same: stay focused, rest, eat well, and trim the boat properly. I’m still fully in race mode,” added the sailor from Le Havre. As he aptly put it: “It’s always the last mile that feels the longest.” And in this final stretch lies the essence of his adventure: self-control, the battle against time, and humility in the face of an ocean that, until its very last gust of wind, retains its unpredictability. But soon, Les Sables d’Olonne will appear on the horizon, ready to welcome a hero. Depending on the exact time of his arrival, Charlie Dalin will sail through the famous channel either before 6:45 a.m. or after 2 p.m. To honor the moment, organizers have planned a fireworks display—a burst of light and color worthy of his achievement.
Where Courage and Records Intertwine
“Until the very end, Charlie and Yoann have given us an incredible duel. Both have undeniably pushed their limits. The Vendée Globe is a race of extreme intensity, and their battle perfectly illustrates the beauty of this competition before our eyes. Charlie, who has broken numerous records and passed two of the three major capes in the lead, has shown courage and daring, especially in the Indian Ocean, where he took the risk of facing a major depression. What an exceptional reward he is about to achieve!” said Alain Leboeuf, President of the Vendée Globe and the Vendée Department.
When the calm of the sea gives way to the excitement of the docks, Charlie will represent much more than a winner: he will embody a man guided by ambition, talent, and unwavering determination. But for now, he remains a sailor, fully immersed in these final miles, connected to the ocean and inspired by the pursuit of his Vendée Globe.
Source: Vendee Globe
