Bruno Dubois

BRUNO DUBOIS

Role: Team Director

Nationality: Canadian/Belgian

Date of birth: September 8, 1959

Lives: France

Languages: French and English

Sailing highlights:
Victory in the Mini-Transat
2 x Transat Jacques Vabre,
1989-90: Skipper, Rucanor Sport in Whitbread Round the World Race
Farr 45 European and World Champion
2014-15: Team Director, Dongfeng Race Team
2015-17: Team Director, Groupama Team France

What do you like to do when not working on the Volvo Ocean Race?
I work mainly on projects. Either with North Sails, the America’s Cup or the Volvo Ocean Race. That doesn’t leave me with a lot of time to do much more but I like running or staying at home with my family.

Favourite quote?
“You are only as good as your last race.”

What was the best advice you were ever given?
“Never give up” - advise from my grandfather when I was about 10 years old.

If you could wake up tomorrow in the body of someone else, who would you pick and what would you do?
Ha! Well, I would love to wake up as John Mayer. I would play guitar around the world with the best in the world.

What makes you happy?
When my family smile.

What makes you angry?
When people take advantage of my kindness.

Who/what inspired you to start sailing?
Eric Tabarly, Antoine and also les Damien boats.

When/where did you start sailing?
I started sailing when I was eight years old in Club Med.

In your opinion, what makes a strong sailor?
It is all about the mental side in my opinion.

What makes you passionate about the Volvo Ocean Race?
Hmm, I don’t know. I went into it in 1989 and since then I can’t seem to get out of it. What do I love about the sport? It is a way of life…

How do you keep going when you are at your limit and stay motivated?
I have no idea. Maybe it is the desire to do well that keeps me going.

One sentence to describe Charles?
He is determined and fair.

Charles on Bruno:
He was the leader of the spirit of our team, and he did a fantastic job. We were like football players. All we had to do was kick the ball and he was the manager who dealt with all the other problems. He did a really good job of freeing my mind to concentrate purely on the sailing, so he made it easy for me.