Public tribute to celebrate the memory of Charlie Dalin
September 15th in Concarneau
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the city of Concarneau and the entire maritime community will unite for an exceptional tribute to skipper Charlie Dalin, who passed away on June 10. Faithful to the wishes shared by the winner of the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe before his departure, this event will not be marked by sadness: it will be a huge celebration of the sea, joyful, collective, and resolutely focused on children.
The fulfillment of a final wish
Before succumbing to cancer, a private battle he waged in secret while completing his solo round-the-world voyage, Charlie Dalin expressed his wish to bring together all the sailing communities he loved. In July, his wife Perrine entrusted the organization of this project to the Disobey agency, which has been handling the skipper’s communications for Macif for eight years. The outpouring of solidarity this summer, which mobilized the worlds of sport, sailing, institutions, local authorities, and partners, exceeded all expectations. This exceptional movement is one to which elected officials and everyone at Macif fully subscribe.
A spectacular and noisy maritime parade
On Tuesday, September 15th, starting at 4:00 PM, the Bay of Concarneau will host a unique gathering of dozens of boats from all disciplines: from the giant Ultim trimarans to the IMOCA class, including Figaro, Class 40, Mini 6.50, wingfoils, recreational boats, and local fishermen. The SNSM (French Sea Rescue Society), a French Navy vessel, and the Abeille Bretagne—which will deploy its famous water sprays—will escort the fleet.
To celebrate the incredible life force of man, traditions will be challenged:
- A “minute of noise”: A musical barge will sail through the heart of the parade. At the climax of the tribute, the traditional minutes of silence will give way to foghorns, sirens, and applause.
- A visual display: In compliance with safety regulations, the entire fleet will simultaneously trigger colored smoke flares.
A Maritime Festival, to be experienced on land and in the air
To allow the public to fully enjoy this exceptional spectacle, a giant screen will be installed on the Corniche, offering an unobstructed view of the fleet’s movements in the bay. In the air, the tribute will also reach new heights with a spectacular flyover by a Rafale fighter jet and an ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft from the French Navy. The afternoon will conclude in style with a daytime fireworks display.
Children at the heart of the festival
Because Charlie Dalin wanted to inspire future generations, the youngest will be the guests of honor:
- A lasting work of art: A major school project will be launched. Each schoolchild in Concarneau will create a drawing that will serve as a pixel for a final monumental mural permanently installed in the city.
- A giant sand mural: In parallel, a temporary artwork measuring 25 meters will be created on the beach sand by the association La Forêt Verte and the MerConcept teams.
The event will take place in the presence of Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries, who will officially speak on this occasion.
Perrine Le Pape-Dalin, wife of Charlie Dalin:
“Charlie wanted us to organize a huge tribute that would bring together all the boats he loved and that marked his life as a sailor. He envisioned a grand gathering focused on the sea, but also and especially on children, to make them dream and perhaps inspire them, in turn, to go to sea. He wanted a popular, festive event, full of joy and life. I would like to sincerely thank all those, all the public and private organizations that, despite extremely short notice, immediately agreed to join us and mobilize to make this grand celebration possible. The momentum generated around this tribute is extraordinary and very moving.”
Yannick Perrigot, director of the Disobey agency and organizer:
“When Perrine called me in July to ask me to organize this tribute that Charlie had envisioned before he passed away, I was deeply moved. We supported Charlie for eight years on his Vendée Globe projects, and we wanted to remain true to who he was. Not to organize a funeral ceremony, but a huge celebration of the sea, sailing, and life. What’s extraordinary is the enthusiasm this project has generated. Everyone we contacted immediately responded. On September 15th, we want Concarneau to be buzzing, the bay to be filled with boats, and children to have stars in their eyes. Because I believe that’s exactly what Charlie would have wanted.”