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François Gabart, winner of the 2013 Vendée Globe: " Beyond the great sailor the public knew, I will remember a man of rare dedication, driven by extraordinary willpower and determination. Charlie left his mark on our sport?through his performances, of course, but also through the way he approached his craft, with rigor, commitment, and intelligence. I was fortunate to share part of his journey in recent years and to witness the extent of his talent and character every day. My thoughts today go out to his family, his loved ones, and all those who stood by him. Thank you, Charlie."
Yoann Richomme, skipper of the IMOCA Paprec, 2 e of the 2024?25 Vendée Globe: " He was an absolutely incredible offshore sailor with an incredible track record and a passion for the open sea and racing boats that few people can match. An outstanding technician. Personally, he?s been a friend of mine for twenty years, so naturally, this is a difficult time, but we were expecting it. There were no surprises, unfortunately, in his final moments. I was lucky enough to see him a month and a half ago. You could tell he had come to terms with his cancer. Despite everything, he was admirable in his fight. As recently as January, he was still hoping to compete in the Route du Rhum. He fought this cancer with the same determination he showed us on the water. He was a formidable competitor and a friend with whom I shared a rather remarkable parallel journey. With much friendship and kindness."
Sébastien Simon, skipper of the IMOCA Groupe Dubreuil, 3 e of the 2024?25 Vendée Globe: "I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Charlie Dalin, who passed away today. I didn?t know Charlie personally, but we?ve been competitors on the world?s oceans for years. This news has deeply saddened me, as I would have loved to see him back on the water to face new challenges. Today, I am at a loss for words... When I arrived at the Vendée Globe on January 17, 2025, I remember asking him to come back in 2028 for a rematch. A few weeks later, he told me about his illness in a phone call at 10 p.m., the night before the news was shared with the media?a testament to the deep respect we had for one another. Goodbye, Charlie; you are a true champion."
Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic: " Charlie Dalin had conquered the Vendée Globe, quietly fighting another battle. France pays tribute to a remarkable sailor, a man of rare courage, a beacon at sea. "
Edouard Philippe, mayor of Le Havre, where Charlie was from: " An exceptional sailor. A sharp mind. Great humility. An amused, radiant smile. We will miss Charlie Dalin... "
Alain Leb?uf, President of the Vendée Globe: " Charlie has left 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 challenges he faced. Behind the champion, I do not forget the man, and the respect he inspired in all those who knew him. My thoughts are with his wife, his son, and his entire family. On behalf of the entire organization, I offer them my support, my deepest respect, and all my affection during this difficult time."
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing: " This is terribly sad news. Charlie embodied the very best of our sport, and the entire global sailing community will be deeply saddened by his tragically untimely passing. The words ?inspiring? and ?legend? are often overused in the world of sports, but Charlie embodied both. He demonstrated unwavering determination in the face of incredible adversity and a constant commitment to excellence. And he achieved all of this while remaining humble, approachable, and extraordinarily generous."
Thomas Ruyant, IMOCA skipper, 7 e on the latest Vendée Globe: " To my greatest rival. You were the most formidable opponent. The races won?t be the same without you... Thank you for pushing the boundaries of our sport. My thoughts are with your family?your wife, Perrine, and your son, Oscar. "
The Pôle Finistère Courseau Large, where Charlie used to train: " It is with great sadness and deep emotion that the Pôle Finistère Course au Large learned of the passing of Charlie Dalin last night. On behalf of everyone who makes up the Pôle?sailors, coaches, staff, and elected officials?we extend our deepest condolences to Perrine and Oscar, as well as to his loved ones. A truly great sailor has left us. For us, he was more than that; he was a friend, a close companion, and a valued partner who has left us.
Since joining the club about fifteen years ago, Charlie has been the most dedicated member. He?s been there for every practice and has always given his all, whether on the water or on land. He would arrive driving a rickety car because, of course, it was his boat that had his full attention. He was capable of spending long hours on the tiniest of adjustments, to such an extent that some jokingly called him ?the man who whispered in the masts? ears.? This obsession with detail and this boundless commitment would take him to the pinnacle of his craft. We remember him from January 13, 2025, on the eve of his arrival as the winner of the Vendée Globe. The Pôle team had gone out to meet him off the coast of the Glénan Islands. As the sun set, we were the first people to cross his path. That unique moment of joy and togetherness is etched in our hearts."
The SNSM station in Le Havre, of which Charlie was the patron: " The SNSM station in Le Havre joins in mourning the sad news of Charlie Dalin?s passing. He was an exceptional, passionate sailor?an extraordinary and warm-hearted man. He was deeply committed to our cause in the world of sea rescue, serving as the patron of our Le Havre station.
Nicolas Rouger, IMOCA skipper: " Without a doubt, the most talented of them all. Charlie Dalin embodied excellence. An extraordinary sailor, an exceptional competitor, but above all, a deeply inspiring man. There are role models. Charlie was one of them. To all those who knew his story, his journey, his struggles, and his ability to always bounce back, he represented much more than just a champion.
The greatest champion in our history. We would all have preferred to see his legend continue to unfold. To see him line up at the start of the Vendée Globe time and time again, pushing the boundaries and writing new chapters in his incredible story.
Because even though his list of achievements already seemed out of reach, we all knew that his legend was just beginning. But the greatest are never defined solely by their victories.
Charlie leaves behind an immense legacy: one of courage, humility, perseverance, and a constant pursuit of excellence. He showed an entire generation that no dream is too big when you dare to pursue it to the very end.
They say we keep living as long as we keep talking about those who have left us. So there?s no doubt that Charlie is eternal. Thank you for the emotions. Thank you for the lessons. Thank you for the inspiration."
Patricia Brochard, co-president of Sodebo, a partner of the Vendée Globe: " It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Charlie Dalin.
Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, and all those who had the privilege of sharing his life. We offer them our sincere condolences. On behalf of everyone at Sodebo, I want to express our affection, respect, and heartfelt support.
Beyond being the exceptional sailor whom the public admired, Charlie had a rare ability to command respect without ever losing his down-to-earth nature and kindness. His career, his dedication, and his determination have left a lasting mark on ocean racing and inspired an entire generation.
"We will remember him as a radiant, courageous, and deeply inspiring man."
Jérémie Beyou, skipper of the IMOCA Charal: " Charlie, you fought so many battles on the water. You won so many of them. I?m proud to have been your opponent; you know how much I respected you. The final battle against your illness was too tough, even for you.
You were and always will be a great sailor, a great champion. It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to you.
"My thoughts, and those of my loved ones, are with your family today."
Violette Dorange, skipper of the IMOCA Initiatives C?ur: " I just heard about Charlie?s passing. He was someone I deeply admired. A sailing genius: the whole community knew it and felt it. Thank you for inspiring us all. It makes me incredibly sad to know that he is no longer with us. My thoughts are with his family. "
Armel Le Cléach, skipper of the Ultim Banque Populaire: " A sailing legend has left us far too soon... Charlie, you were an exceptional sailor and man, known for your intelligence, your hard work, and your unwavering determination! You fought until the very end, as always, with dignity. My thoughts are with your family, your loved ones, and everyone who stood by you during this difficult time. We will miss you dearly out on the water.
Mer Concept, the marina where Charlie had moored his boat: " The MerConcept team is deeply saddened today. Charlie Dalin?s family has announced that he has passed away after a courageous battle with illness. Charlie, you inspired us and took us on a journey around the world. We will remember him as a man of profound integrity, meticulous and brilliant. An extraordinary competitor, driven by an eye for detail, a rare standard of excellence, and boundless perseverance. Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, and all those who had the good fortune to cross paths with him. Our team remains united in this difficult time. We pay tribute to the great man we were fortunate to work alongside every day for all these years, through the highs and the lows. We will always be your team. "
Yannick Bestaven, winner of the 2020 Vendée Globe: " Charlie, our paths will always be linked through the history of the Vendée Globe. Beyond the competition, I have always admired your perseverance, your willingness to challenge yourself, and your constant pursuit of excellence.
You left your mark on our sport. My thoughts are with your family, your loved ones, and your team. Farewell, Charlie.
Denis Van Weynbergh, a finisher of the Vendée Globe: " Charlie, you were the epitome of class and elegance, and an outstanding sailor... Pure talent?a bit like our very own Roger Federer. What an honor and what a source of pride it was to have stood on the same starting line as you. As for the finishes, that was a different story...The only time it was possible to catch up to you was when you were at the port as the winner and we were still out at sea, still in the race...
Your achievement in the 2024 Vendée Globe has brought a new sense of spirit to the world of ocean racing.
"Fair winds and smooth seas on your final voyage. Say hello for us to Éric, Florence, Laurent, and all the other illustrious dream builders."
Arnaud Boissières, skipper of the IMOCA April Marine: " Goodbye, Charlie. I?m saying goodbye to you from the ocean. You managed to complete an amazing journey around the world, and beyond the competition, you succeeded in sharing your experiences. The disease was stronger than you?which just goes to show how powerful it is and how hard life can be.
My thoughts are with your loved ones, and with everyone around you. A Charlie like that isn?t someone we?ll just forget. Farewell, artist.
"I'm thinking of you as I'm out on the water. Whenever I see those little birds that seem to come out of nowhere, I tell myself there's a part of you in them. Fair winds, Charlie."
Eric Loizeau, ORMA trimaran skipper and mountaineer: "Charlie is gone... and the offshore sailing community is devastated."
Today, I just can't seem to enjoy anything! I heard this morning that you had passed away, Charlie, and even though I was somewhat expecting it, I was devastated and even cried. We aren?t from the same generation and never raced against each other or competed in the same events, but I had a great deal of respect and admiration for you, an exceptional sailor whom I sometimes thought was too quiet and humble in the face of your immeasurable achievements and performances. A few years ago, Charlie, you came to participate in the Trophée Mer Montagne, to meet the mountain people and to ski?which you did particularly well for a little guy from the North! What wonderful memories! So, recently, I had asked you to be the patron of the next edition and to take the opportunity to present your documentary "The Screaming Albatross" about your superb victory in the Vendée Globe, as well as your book, to the festival audience. Unfortunately, that won?t happen, but you will be in our hearts, and this Trophy will be dedicated to you. Rest in peace in the wonderful world of the albatrosses, whom you resembled, dear Charlie.
"Eric"
Louis Burton, skipper of the Ultim Armand Thierry: "Charlie Dalin was the kind of sailor you?d love to run into on the water?unless, of course, you were racing against him. It was with great sadness that I heard of his passing."
An exceptional sailor. The kind who pushes you to bring out the best in yourself, race after race. He was one of those people who made you better simply by the way he carried himself on the water.
"The sailing world has lost an irreplaceable figure today. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I send them my deepest sympathies."
Jimmy Pahun, skipper and member of the National Assembly from Morbihan: "My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Dalin?s family. We knew Charlie was ill, but his strength of character and the courage with which he faced his illness gave us hope that he would pull through. May his fighting spirit and his will to live serve as an example to us all."
Jean-Louis Etienne, explorer: "Charlie has left us, and we are all heartbroken. As the godfather of his IMOCA Macif, I had the privilege of smashing a bottle of champagne against the bow of his boat. An exceptional sailor and a quiet hero, he left us too soon to set sail for the open seas of eternity."
