From the very first arrivals, several symbolic gestures will accompany the sailors. Members of the organisation will wear black armbands bearing a simple message: “Thank You, Charlie.” In the race village, the Vendée Globe trophy will be displayed alongside a photograph of the Le Havre-born skipper.
Visitors will be able to pause there, reflect for a moment and pay tribute to a sailor who left a lasting mark on an entire generation of offshore racers. This tribute space will remain accessible until the prize-giving ceremony.
When the IMOCA fleet sails back up the famous Les Sables d’Olonne channel, the skippers will be welcomed by a guard of honour formed by volunteers involved in the town’s major sailing events. A symbolic salute to a sailor who left his mark on the sport through both his achievements and his humanity.
White ribbons will be distributed to spectators lining the channel, while several boats will also display this symbol of remembrance as they approach the finish line. Throughout the race village, the message “Thank You, Charlie” will accompany event spaces so that everyone can take part in this tribute.
On Thursday 18 June at 18:00, before the presentation of the trophies, all of the skippers will gather for a moment of remembrance. A minute of silence will be observed before a video is shown retracing Charlie Dalin’s victorious arrival in Les Sables d’Olonne during the 2024 Vendée Globe, accompanied by La Terre est ronde by Orelsan. Only then will the sporting celebrations of this edition of the Vendée Arctique – Les Sables d’Olonne begin.
The finish of a race is usually a moment of joy, relief and shared celebration. This year, however, those arrivals will carry a different emotion as well. Behind the applause welcoming the sailors back to shore will also be a collective desire to honour the memory of a man whose legacy extends far beyond results and trophies.
