Peter 'Spike' Dorean passes away

Ex-movistar crewman dies suddenly in St Maarten

The sailing world has been rocked by the news of the sudden death yesterday evening of Peter ‘Spike’ Doriean, one of Australia’s most gifted and internationally respected sailors and a great mate to so many yachties throughout Australia and the world. He is best known for twice competing in the Volvo Ocean Race with djuice dragons/News Corp and with movistar.

Details of Spike’s death are not known at this stage. All that has been confirmed is that Spike was on the island of St Barts to compete aboard Rambler, owned by American George David, at the Les Voiles de Saint Barts in the Caribbean, which was to start Tuesday (today) local time.

It is too early for funeral arrangements, but Spike’s funeral will take place in Melbourne where he was born and bred and started his sailing career.

Our deepest sympathies go to Spike’s wife, Nicki and their young children, Fox and Jemima, and to his parents and family.

Doriean completed his apprenticeship with North Sails, Australia and worked in the loft for 10 years, which gave him extensive skills and opportunity to be involved in a wide-range of projects from one design to keelboats and large global campaigns.

In addition to his two Volvo Ocean Races, Doriean recently raced in the Audi MedCup on board Audi Q8, and previously was in the crew of two Mumm 36 World Championship winners and an IMS World Championship winner. He raced on two Rolex Sydney-Hobart winners and was a handicap winner on Terrafirma. He was a regular on the maxi circuit competing on Morning Glory, Pyewacket and Zephyrus.