French Sailor Charlie Dalin, Vendée Globe Champion, Dies at 42
French sailor Charlie Dalin, who won the 2024–25 Vendée Globe in a record time while secretly battling cancer, has died at the age of 42. Dalin had been diagnosed with a rare gastrointestinal stromal tumour in late 2023 and underwent treatment before competing in and winning the gruelling solo round-the-world race. His death marks the loss of one of France's most celebrated sailors, whose courage both at sea and in facing illness drew widespread tributes.
Charlie Dalin, the reigning Vendée Globe champion, died on Thursday after a prolonged battle with a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer, his wife Perrine Le Pape confirmed to AFP. Dalin completed the 24,300-mile solo, non-stop round-the-world race in January 2025 in a record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds — shattering the previous record set by Armel Le Cléac'h in 2017 by more than nine days — while receiving immunotherapy treatment throughout the voyage. He had been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour in late 2023, just days before the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre race, which he subsequently withdrew from to undergo treatment. Dalin initially kept his illness private, fearing disclosure might prevent him from competing in the Vendée Globe, but later chronicled his experience in a book titled 'The Power of Destiny' to help other cancer sufferers. It was his second Vendée Globe appearance; in 2020–21 he crossed the finish line first but was relegated to second place after rival Yannick Bestaven received a time bonus for aiding in a rescue. French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute on social media, calling Dalin 'a beacon on the seas' who carried 'another battle within' while conquering the race. Vendée Globe president Alain Leboeuf praised both his sporting legacy and his personal character, extending condolences to his wife and son Oscar.
What different sources said
- France 24Center
Renowned French solo yachtsman Charlie Dalin dies aged 42
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Sailing-Reigning Vendee Globe champion Dalin dies at 42
- BBC Top StoriesCenter
Vendee Globe winner Dalin dies aged 42
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