Charlie Dalin (Macif Santé Prévoyance)

Arrival of the Winner of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025

Les Sables d'Olonne (France)

It is 08:24 am when Charlie Darlin, aboard the Imoca Macif Santé Prévoyance, crosses the finish line. After 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, he officially becomes the winner of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. At the authorized departure time, 30 minutes before sunrise on January 14, 2025, the helicopter departs from the small airfield in Les Sables d'Olonne, its windshield still partially frozen. It is still dark, and the icy cold entering through the open door of the aircraft numbs the fingers already positioned on the controls and cameras. We fly swiftly toward the monohull, fearing we might miss the crossing of the finish line. As the official photographer for the race with Arnaud Letrésor's Alea agency, I’ve been preparing for this unique moment since the day before, with a certain anxiety fueled by the fear of forgetting essential equipment, taking off with uncharged batteries, or not being in top form. Upon arriving on site, we immediately sense the excitement filling the waters. Numerous boats join the sailor, who is no longer solitary. Among them are the organizers’ Zodiacs, the "press" boats, and the skipper’s supporters, accompanying Charlie for the final miles toward Les Sables d'Olonne. The helicopter moves sideways, offering the cameraman and me an ideal angle to capture the hero’s return to the shore, all in the relative warmth of the rising sun. I shoot at 1/500th of a second despite the vibrations of the machine, to avoid any risk of noise in the image. The first shot, a very representative image of a sailor’s return after a solo round-the-world journey.

Nikon Z9, 45 mm, 1600, 3,2 , 1/500