Winning Volvo Ocean Race 2018 reflects Bruno’s ability to recruit, manage and motivate an international team of men and women, helping them to bond and exceed all expectations.
Bruno Dubois is one of a select band of people who understands the challenges of sailing both as a professional sailor and as a team manager. Bruno’s career blossomed when his relationship with the Whitbread Round the World Race began when he was invited to represent Belgium as skipper of Rucanor Sport in the 1989-90 edition of the race.
Bruno took on the role of Director of Dongfeng Race Team (DFRT) in the 2014/15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. Followed straight after in 2015 by the Groupama Team France America’s Cup challenge with skipper Franck Cammas, and back again with Dongfeng Race Team for the 2017/18 VOR edition with a fantastic win on June 24th 2018. Since 2018, he has also worked alongside Russell Coutts on sailGP and in 2020 was announced as Team Manager of the France SailGP Team.
About
Nationality
Belgo-Canadian
Languages
French, English.
Sailing career highlights
1st Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18 - Team director in Dongfeng Race Team
Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 - Team director in Dongfeng Race Team
America’s Cup (2017) - Team Director, Groupama Team
Whitbread Round the World Race 1989/90 – Skipper in Rucanor Sport team
Q&A
What was your first sailing memory?
Sailing during my summer holidays on a lake in my home town in Belgium.
Who inspires you?
Many people inspire me in different ways, from Barak Obama to my long-time friends.
What is your favourite quote?
“It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
What was your childhood sailing dream?
Competing in the Whitbread Round the World Race.
What items do you always take with you when you go sailing?
Sunglasses, because over the years the sun has totally destroyed my eyes!
What hobbies do you have when not sailing?
I like running and bicycling, and taking care of things at home, like tending our garden and our chickens.
Give us an example of a sustainable attitude to life – what do you do for a better world?
I don’t use any plastic bottles and at home, we always save food waste to compost for our garden.
What advice would you give to young sailors to protect the planet?
The sea will be your playground for many years if, and only if, you protect it.