Armel Le Cléac’h, the 2017 Vendée Globe champion, reflects on Charlie Dalin’s record-breaking achievement, which surpassed his time by over nine days. He acknowledges the impact of advanced boat technology and favorable weather conditions in this year’s race. Le Cléac’h praises the intense competition, particularly between Dalin and Yoann Richomme, and highlights the psychological and physical challenges faced by sailors. He expresses optimism for future records while emphasizing the importance of safety in high-speed racing.
Armel Le Cléac’h Reflects on Record-Breaking Vendée Globe
Armel Le Cléac’h, the reigning champion of the Vendée Globe since 2017, anticipated that his record might be challenged, but he never expected it to be obliterated. Previously holding the title with a time of 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes, and 49 seconds, he has now been surpassed by Charlie Dalin. The Macif skipper crossed the finish line at dawn on Tuesday, January 14, off the coast of Les Sables-d’Olonne, and set a stunning new record of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds—an impressive reduction of over nine days from Le Cléac’h’s time.
This monumental achievement in offshore racing has been observed from afar by Le Cléac’h, who has enjoyed a remarkable career, securing the Vendée Globe title in 2017 and making appearances on the podium multiple times. He expressed his admiration for Dalin, a sailor he mentored back in 2007 at the Pôle Finistère in Port-la-Forêt, where future sailing stars are nurtured. Le Cléac’h shared his insights on this extraordinary accomplishment during an analysis session.
The Unprecedented Challenge of the Vendée Globe
“We were aware that the record was likely to be broken, but not by such a significant margin,” Le Cléac’h noted. He reflected on the previous race in 2021, which was hindered by the pandemic and unfavorable conditions, resulting in a slower race completion time. “This edition has reverted to the pattern we’ve seen in past races, where records were typically broken by a few days,” he added.
He acknowledged the advancements in boat technology that have played a crucial role in achieving these new records. Current vessels can sail over 600 miles (about 1,000 kilometers) within a 24-hour period, often reaching speeds of 30 knots (55 km/h). The top competitors enjoyed favorable weather in key regions, which significantly impacted their race times. Le Cléac’h remarked on the stark contrast faced by other competitors, who lagged nearly ten days behind.
When asked about the competitive environment, he commented on the intense rivalry between Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme. “Such duels enhance performance; there’s no room for complacency. The pressure to maintain pace is relentless. I experienced a similar situation in 2017 when I was closely pursued,” he explained. The psychological and physical toll of such a grueling competition is immense, and Le Cléac’h noted that Dalin would feel its effects in the days following his victory.
Looking ahead, Le Cléac’h remains optimistic about the potential for even faster times in future races. “There are still opportunities to shave off two to three days from the record. Certain segments of the race could be navigated more quickly,” he stated. He emphasized that while we may be approaching a limit, the record is far from unbreakable. With conditions aligning favorably, he believes further improvements are possible.
As speeds increase, so do risks, which Le Cléac’h recognizes as a significant concern. “The challenges we face multiply with speed, and safety remains a top priority. We collaborate with medical professionals to ensure we are prepared for the demands of racing at such high velocities,” he remarked. Despite the inherent dangers, Le Cléac’h notes that mastering the art of speed can help sailors avoid treacherous situations, making it a vital skill in the competitive world of offshore racing.