Record-breakers and Champions: World Sailing Honours the 2025 World Sailors of the Year
World Sailing has celebrated its leading talents, awarding two outstanding offshore sailors, Charlie Dalin and Justine Mettraux, with the prestigious Rolex World Sailor of the Year titles. The recognition highlights extraordinary endurance, technical mastery, and personal strength in the most demanding of ocean races.
Charlie Dalin: Male Rolex World Sailor of the Year
France’s Charlie Dalin earned the Male Rolex World Sailor of the Year award after an unforgettable victory in the 2024–2025 Vendée Globe. On board Macif Santé Prévoyance, he completed the solo, non-stop round-the-world race in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds—shattering the previous record by almost ten days.
“Dalin’s achievement was made even more extraordinary by his courage off the water.”
In 2023, Dalin was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Despite his condition, he competed in the Vendée Globe while continuing treatment and managing his health with daily medication.
Justine Mettraux: Female Rolex World Sailor of the Year
Swiss sailor Justine Mettraux received the Female Rolex World Sailor of the Year award following her groundbreaking performance in the same race. Sailing Teamwork-Team SNEF, she finished eighth overall, becoming both the first woman and the first international sailor to reach the finish line.
A Celebration of Excellence and Resilience
The 2025 honours underline the spirit of determination and innovation that defines modern ocean racing, celebrating not just speed but the resilience that carries champions across the world’s most challenging seas.
Author’s summary: Dalin and Mettraux were honoured as Rolex World Sailors of the Year 2025 for their record-setting endurance, courage, and exceptional achievements in the Vendée Globe.