Tributes have poured in from across the sailing world following the death of French offshore racing star Charlie Dalin, the reigning Rolex World Sailor of the Year who received the sport's highest honour in Dún Laoghaire last year.
Dalin died on Thursday aged 42 after a battle with a rare gastrointestinal cancer.
Just seven months ago, he stood on stage at the Royal St George Yacht Club to collect the Rolex World Sailor of the Year award after his record-breaking victory in the 2024-25 Vendée Globe.
World Sailing Leads Tributes To Charlie Dalin
World Sailing chief executive David Graham described the Frenchman as both an "inspirational" figure and a "legend" whose courage extended far beyond his achievements on the water.
"His sporting achievements on their own guaranteed him a place among the greats of sailing, but the bravery he demonstrated in fighting his illness means he will be held forever in the hearts of sailors," Graham said.
Dalin captured global attention when he won the Vendée Globe in January 2025 in a record time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds.
Only later did many learn that he had completed the solo non-stop circumnavigation while undergoing immunotherapy treatment for cancer.
The International Association of Cape Horners also paid tribute to the Le Havre sailor.
In a statement, association president Sir Robin Knox-Johnston described Dalin as "one of the world's great sailors".
The organisation noted that Dalin had been inducted into the Cape Horn Hall of Fame and highlighted a career that brought victories in 20 major ocean races over two decades.
"He leaves his wife, Perrine Le Pape, and their son Oscar to whom all within the Cape Horners Association send their condolences and share in their sorrow," Knox-Johnston said.
Across France, tributes reflected Dalin's standing not only as a champion sailor but as a national sporting figure.
French President Emmanuel Macron described him as "an extraordinary sailor" whose courage in the face of illness inspired far beyond the sailing community.
Fellow sailors have remembered a competitor renowned for his relentless pursuit of excellence.
In a series of tributes gathered by French sailing publication Sailorz, rival skippers and colleagues spoke of a sailor whose meticulous preparation, technical brilliance and work ethic helped redefine modern offshore racing.
Vendée Globe rival Yoann Richomme said Dalin's record-breaking victory would remain "the crowning achievement of his career", while former co-skipper Yann Eliès recalled "a wonderful companion" whose determination never wavered.
Naval architect Guillaume Verdier, who worked closely with Dalin on successive IMOCA campaigns, described him as a sailor who never stopped searching for improvements and understanding every detail of his boats.
The outpouring of grief reflects the unique place Dalin occupied within the sport.
A naval architect, offshore racer and Vendée Globe champion, he combined technical expertise with exceptional seamanship.
For many, however, his greatest achievement was not the record he set around the world but the courage he showed in achieving it.
As tributes continue to arrive from around the globe, the image many will remember is the one that resonated most deeply throughout the sailing community: Charlie Dalin returning victorious to Les Sables-d'Olonne after completing one of the greatest performances in offshore racing history.
