The Skipper

Dominique was born in Geneva on 4th July 1955 to an engineer father and a mother who was a Swiss tennis champion.  Inheriting her competitive spirit ‘petit Dom’s’ sporting career logically began on the tennis courts.

His enthusiasm for sailing was awakened at the age of 13 on the waters of Lake Léman; a passion which remained with the sailor throughout further education and was very soon to force him to give up his position as an art teacher.

He succumbed to the call of the ocean and embarked on Disque d'Or 3 alongside Pierre Felhman for his first round the world, which was to mark the start of a long and brilliant career…

The sailor continued to race around the oceans of the globe and built up a rather eclectic nautical curriculum.  Swiss champion in the Surprise on several occasions and 7 years at the helm of a 505, he also participated in 7 round the world races and numerous transatlantics in crewed, double and single-handed configurations.  A skipper 8 times in the Tour de France à la Voile, he also put to use his talent as a coach for an America’s Cup boat

Dominique Wavre © Bleue Salée

Races that this skipper has not taken part in are rare indeed and today, together with the 350,000 nautical miles he has sailed, Dominique ranks among the most experienced offshore sailors.  The nineties marked a turning point in his career as a regatta sailor who ‘dabbled’ in solo sailing.  He clearly relished the formidable Solitaire du Figaro, twice taking a creditable second place out of just 4 participations.

His aspirations and a talent for solo navigation logically lead him on to the Vendée Globe and in February 2001, he successfully completed his first one in 5th position.

The adventure of the first ever circumnavigation by a Swiss sailor was to be inscribed in the country’s maritime history.  And the story, like the skipper, was set to continue.  In the following years, Dominique participated in numerous transatlantics aboard his 60 foot monohull.  The most prestigious of these include La Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre and the gruelling The Transat in which he took second place.  In February 2005, he completed his second Vendée Globe with a highly creditable 4th place and began construction of the new Open 60 footer, Temenos II, four months later, with a view to taking the startline of the next Vendée Globe in 2008.

Experience

7 years of 505, helmsman in European regattas, over 300,000 sailing miles, 6 circumnavigations, 8 participations in the Tour de France à la Voile, head of the CER (Race Training Centre in Geneva) and its creation and development, today Dominique is one of the most highly experienced offshore racers.

Teaching

Sailing instructor in the leisure department of a school in Geneva (1970-1978), Base Manager (Golfe du Morbihan, South-West Brittany, 1974-1979), Creation and development in the Geneva Race Training Centre, (1982-1986), Coach for the America’s Cup (1992).

Studies

Literary studies in Geneva (Diploma in Latin from Rousseau college), Degree from Geneva’s visual art college (Fine Art), Type B teaching degree, lecturing on drawing and etching.

Awards Extract