This morning at 08:24 Charlie Dalin (MACIF Santé Prévoyance) crossed the finish line of the 10th Vendée Globe to set a new record of 64 days 19 hours 22 minutes and 49 seconds, smashing by nine days the previous record held by Armel Le Cléac’h since 2016 (74 days 3 hours). As leader since 30th December and the contestant who spent the longest time at the head of the race (42 days), Charlie Dalin put in a near-perfect performance to win this legendary solo, non-stop round the world race without assistance.

On his arrival, the 40-year-old man from Normandy did not hide his emotions: “I have never experienced anything like this in all my life. It’s the best most beautiful finish of my career with daylight breaking through. I have dreamt about this Vendée Globe 2024 since the 2020/2021 edition. For four years we have fought with the team, working hard to think about and develop this super boat. Everyone dug deep and gave their all to have such a perfect boat”.

Supported by a superb technical team and a boat he describes as a “gem”, Charlie exploited every opportunity, particularly in the Southern Ocean where he faced extreme conditions.

He also spoke of the impact his duel with Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) had on his performance: “With Yoann, it’s been an incredible match race. Well done to him, as it was as if he was doing his third and fourth Vendée Globe. It’s thanks to Yoann that I sailed round the world in such a short time. It forced me to have more sail up, reefs, trimming constantly, etc, to give it my all”.

Patience, consistency and a bold tactical choice, whether in the southern seas or ascent of the Atlantic were behind his success. First over the line in the 2020/2021 race, but ranked second to Yannick Bestaven who had time compensation for time lost helping in the search for Kevin Escoffier, this time it was Charlie’s turn to savour a memorable victory, the result of meticulous preparation and unwavering motivation.

The sailor covered the 23,905 miles of the theoretical course at an average speed of 15.37 knots but in reality his route was even more impressive: 27,668 miles at 17.79 knots. In fact he put in the best performance in the history of the Vendée Globe by beating the previous record by more than 9 days and 8 hours. At the same time he pockets three other records (Equator – Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, Equator – Les Sables d’Olonne) confirming his status as the favourite for this edition and inscribing his name in the pantheon of this mythical race.

While Charlie Dalin savours his victory, Boris Herrmann (Malizia-Seaexplorer) is still racing. Currently lying 10th, the skipper from Yacht Club de Monaco continues to fight despite a series of technical problems, including a broken hook on his J2 and trying weather conditions. Despite these challenges Boris remains determined and is staying on his course. With a distance equivalent to a transatlantic race still to cover, he aims to hold on to his position in the top ten and uphold the Monaco flag. He is expected in Les Sables-d’Olonne sometime between 24th and 26th January.

The German skipper has been keen to share his adventure throughout the race. He will be in contact again tomorrow, Wednesday 15 January at 6.15pm, with young sailors from the Sports Section to discuss his challenges and the importance of persevering in this extraordinary race. A unique opportunity to inspire a new generation of sailors and pass on the values that enshrine this round the world feat.