On February 7, Charlie Dalin, the celebrated winner of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025, made quite the splash by soaring over his fellow competitor, Violette Dorange, enriching the climactic finale of this epic sailing race. With Dorange’s much-anticipated arrival set for the night of February 9 to 10, the aerial greeting became not just a moment of personal significance but one infused with the camaraderie of the sporting spirit inherent to the Vendée Globe.
Dalin, who completed the grueling race in 64 days, had the unique opportunity to fly on board an Atlantic 2, the specialized aircraft deployed by the French Navy for submarine surveillance. This experience allowed him to observe and interact with Dorange, who at just 23 years old is the youngest participant of this challenging event, often referred to as the Everest of the seas.
From the skies, Dalin and Dorange exchanged words, with him expressing admiration for her progress, stating, “Bravo pour ton parcours jusqu’ici, il reste quelques miles, quelques obstacles, mais je ne fais pas de soucis pour toi.” This heartfelt encouragement left Dorange “super émue,” reflecting the emotional bond and mutual respect shared among competitors. “Merci beaucoup à tout l’équipage (de l’avion) de faire ça... ça fait vraiment super plaisir en mer de parler à quelqu’un et de voir votre avion, alors merci à tous !” she expressed, emphasizing the meaningfulness of their airborne connection during the long isolation of the race.
Charlie Dalin, hailing from Le Havre and having crossed the finish line on January 14, expressed his awe of the operational workings of the Atlantic 2 during the flight. “C’était passionnant de voir le fonctionnement de l’avion, l’organisation. J’avais souvent vu des Atlantique 2 voler mais je ne me rendais pas compte à quel point ils étaient nombreux à bord,” he noted after returning to base. His admiration for the mission and for Dorange was palpable as he reflected on witnessing both her and fellow sailor Louis Duc at close range from just 100 feet above the water.
This display of sportsmanship by Dalin not only highlights his character as the victor of one of sailing's most prestigious events but also shines a spotlight on Violette Dorange's notable achievements throughout the race. Dalin remarked on her exceptional handling of challenges, especially her perseverance sans engine since rounding Cape Horn, which made her course all the more awe-inspiring. “Elle fait un beau parcours. Un Vendée Globe à 23 ans, c’est impressionnant. Elle s’est très bien débrouillée, elle a géré ses galères,” he said, recognizing the difficulty each sailor faced under extreme conditions.
Anticipation builds for Dorange's arrival, as she is expected to be greeted by cheers from supportive crowds when she navigates the channel to the Les Sables-d’Olonne harbor. Her modern communication methods during the race have endeared her to many fans and observers, allowing them to connect with her experiences live from the ocean.
Dorange expressed her joy about the entire endeavor, highlighted by her cheeky comment about perhaps needing to win the Vendée Globe to secure such aerial experiences as Dalin's. “Si je comprends bien, il faut gagner le Vendée Globe pour faire un tour en avion,” she quipped charmingly, alluding to the prestige woven deeply throughout the fabric of this monumental sailing race.
Through moments like these—brief yet packed with significance—the Vendée Globe continues to encapsulate not only the challenges of the vast ocean but also the relationships forged amid competition. While Dorange prepares for her finish, Dalin's aerial salute serves as both encouragement and celebration of the sport’s enduring values of mutual respect and inspiration. This spectacle, emblematic of the camaraderie and competitive edge present at every turn of the race, will resonate within fans and followers of sailing for years to come.