Charlie DALIN

With unwavering determination and heightened professionalism, Charlie makes success one of his main drivers. After graduating in naval architecture in 2006 from the University of Southampton, Charlie quickly set out on a career in ocean racing. He succeeded in pursuing a professional career in naval architecture and a meticulous physical, technical and mental preparation. In 2011, Charlie Dalin will join the Pôle Finistère Course au Large of Port-la-Forêt where he will start in Figaro Bénéteau, the top category in solo ocean racing. In his second season, he won the Transat AG2R La Mondiale alongside Gildas Morvan. The following years will be made of podiums and victories, including the coveted title of Elite French Singlehanded Offshore Racing Champion, which he won twice (2014 - 2016).

Since 2015, Charlie has been part of the Skipper Macif chain of excellence, allowing him to devote himself fully to the Figaro circuit. During the 2016-17 Vendée Globe, he was chosen as substitute skipper for Yann Elies, a confidence gained in 2015 following the 3rd place of the two men in the difficult Transat Jacques Vabre. In 2018, Apivia Mutuelle joined Charlie on the Imoca circuit. A 4-year partnership until 2022, punctuated by the construction of a new generation boat, culminating in participation in the Vendée Globe in November 2020.

After a victory in the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2019, followed by some excellent performances at the start of the year, Charlie Dalin was one of the favorites at the start of the 2020 Vendée Globe. After 37 days at the head of the fleet and an overall remarkable race, the skipper of APIVIA crossed the finish line in first place after 80 days at sea, but finished second in the ranking after applying bonuses to the other skippers. Whatever the ranking, Charlie can be proud of this first single-handed round-the-world race, which was totally in line with his ambitions.  

The IMOCA GLOBE SERIES races are coming up in 2021 and 2022, and Charlie, aboard his now familiar APIVIA, continues to impress on the water with remarkable performances.

In 2023, Charlie Dalin will launch a new IMOCA, MACIF, in order to prepare himself for his second Vendée Globe.