The China Mail - Renowned French solo yachtsman Charlie Dalin dies aged 42

"It is with deep sadness that my family and I announce the passing of my husband, Charlie Dalin, following a long illness," Dalin's wife Perrine Le Pape said in a message to AFP.

It is tough enough for any sailor just to complete the Vendee Globe, but Dalin did that in victorious fashion despite battling cancer.

Dalin suffered from a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer as he steered his boat to the 2024-25 victory in a record 64 days, 19 hours and 22 minutes.

Dalin, who had finished second in his only previous Vendee in 2020-21, was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour in late 2023, just a few days before the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre race.

He pulled out of that race to undergo treatment but after several months he was able to head back to sea.

Dalin initially chose not to publicise his illness, for fear it might scupper his plans to take part in his second Vendee Globe, a gruelling race that is followed avidly in France.

He later published a book "The Power of Destiny" in which he chronicled his battle with cancer in a bid to help other sufferers.

Among the many tributes that poured in for Dalin was one from France President Emmanuel Macron.

"The President of the Republic and his wife pay tribute to the memory of a great sailor, a force of destiny who proudly represented our country on all the world's oceans," read a statement from the president's office.

"They extend their deepest condolences to his wife Perrine, his son Oscar, his family, his loved ones, his fellow sailors, and the entire sailing community."

T.Luo--ThChM