It is with great sadness that we share the passing of ocean racer Charlie Dalin (1984-2026). Dalin is remembered as one of the most talented sailors of a generation and a man whose grit, talent, and humility garnered the respect of fans and competitors across the sport.
His sailing record is one that most professional racers can only dream of, winning the IMOCA world championship in 2021 and 2022, scoring line honors in the 2020/21 Vendée Globe, sailing with the winning 11th Hour Racing Team campaign during The Ocean Race in 2023, and winning the 2024-25 Vendée Globe.
After his Vendée victory, the French IMOCA phenom shared that he had been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer back in 2023 and had been quietly managing it throughout his solo around the world race. His autobiography, which details more of this story, has yet to be published in English.
“Charlie leaves an indelible mark on the history of the Vendée Globe, through his talent and his fighting spirit, both on the ocean and in the face of the ordeal he faced. Behind the champion, I do not forget the man, and the respect he inspired from all those who knew him,” says Alain Lebœuf, President of the Vendée Globe. “I think of his wife, his son, his whole family. On behalf of the entire organisation, I send them my support, my deep respect and all my affection at this time.”
On a more personal note, Charlie was one of the most gracious people I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. Even in the midst of the post-Vendée Globe media firestorm or the chaos of an Ocean Race stopover, he was a class act, always generous with his time, patient with his explanations, and most of all kind. He left a lasting impression on me, as I know he did on so many.
It’s an extraordinarily sad day for offshore racing. All of us at SAIL extend our condolences to his family, teammates, and loved ones at this time.
