Charlie Dalin set for record breaking Vendée Globe victory

The winner of the 2024-25 Vendée Globe will likely be topped early tomorrow, Tuesday January 15, and it seems set to be Charlie Dalin on Macif Santé Prévoyance.

Dalin, who has led since December 30, is now simply over 110 miles from the end in Les Sables d’Olonne, and present predictions are he’ll arrive between 0430-0830hrs (UTC) on Tuesday.

Barring some unexpected catastrophe Charlie Dalin is poised to realize a outstanding double.

He would be the first skipper ever to cross the end line first in two consecutive races (Michel Desjoyeaux is the one sailor in historical past to have received the Vendée Globe twice, within the 2000 and 2008 races) – although this will likely be his first race victory, having completed 2nd to Yannick Bestaven on redress in 2021.

And he’s more likely to additionally demolish the course report, set in 2016 by Armel le Cleac’h at 74d 03h 36m. Dalin, and his second positioned rival Yoann Richomme, each look set to finish the course in near 65 days.

Vendée Globe remaining miles

Chatting with race organisers earlier immediately, Dalin mentioned: “There will likely be some upwind to complete in some very chilly temperatures, perhaps the coldest night time of the complete race, and it will be a flat sea.

“So that’s my remaining image, the boat skimming properly upwind, typically foiling, near the coast, that’s how I image it.”

Fading easterly winds alongside the French western coast have resulted in each Dalin and Richomme opting to method to the north of Les Sables d’Olonne, crusing close by of land off Penmarch, earlier than cautiously heading south near shore on a fancy finish to the ultimate Atlantic stage.

The advanced remaining method to Les Sables d’Olonne for the leaders to the end of the 2024/25 Vendée Globe

Dalin defined: “We’re crusing so near my coaching waters, the place I’ve been so many instances with the boat, and I’ll sail in all probability near the house base which for me is a pleasant image, to be crusing near Finistère the place the boat is predicated and the boat was constructed.”

Although these waters are well-known to the IMOCA skippers, many have skilled on them relentlessly throughout their days within the Figaro class, they create their very own challenges for drained and confused sailors, with advanced tides, rocks, and fishing exercise.

Within the final race German skipper Boris Herrmann collided with one other vessel within the remaining miles of the race, and in 2008 Alex Thomson’s Hugo Boss was dismasted after a collision with a fishing vessel outdoors Les Sables earlier than the Vendée begin. Therefore neither Dalin or Richomme, not their groups, will rejoice till their boats are lastly approaching the sands of Les Sables d’Olonne safely.

Vendée rookie for 2nd

Richomme’s Paprec Arkéa is but to lose the breeze, and has closed his deficit to Dalin to lower than 100 miles – an astonishing achievement in his first Vendée Globe.

Richomme has duelled with Dalin all through this Vendée Globe, the pair exchanging the lead since mid-December. However their historical past goes a lot additional again, racing towards each other on the entrance of the Figaro fleet for a few years (Dalin on the rostrum 5 instances, Richomme profitable it twice).

Yoann Richomme is collaborating in his first Vendée Globe on Paprec Arkéa. Picture: Yoann Richomme/Paprec Arkéa/VG2024

Chatting with the IMOCA class just a few days in the past, Richomme was magnanimous, saying of Dalin. “I might be completely satisfied for him if he received it.”

“I feel he deserves it. I feel the situation of the final Vendée Globe (was unfair) on him and he deserves the win. If he does handle to win it, I will likely be completely satisfied for him, however I’m not going to supply it to him.”

Yachting World is in Les Sables d’Olonne for the end, so watch our social media feed for dwell updates.