Etchells to honour Spike Doriean
by Musto Etchells Australasian Winters Media on 10 Jun 2010
Spike Doriean SW
The international sailing world was stunned in April 2010 by the news of the sudden death of Peter ‘Spike’ Doriean, 38, one of Australia’s best known professional sailors and one of the nicest guys any of us have had the privilege of knowing.
Recognised as one of the most talented international sailors, Spike was in demand for the Volvo Round the World race, the America's Cup, Louis Vuitton and TP52 circuits. Spike was very close to many people in the Etchells class and enjoyed sailing these boats as often as he could with his mates.
Spike was in the Caribbean to compete aboard George David’s 90 foot maxi Rambler, the former Alfa Romeo I (Shockwave) at first Les Voiles de Saint Barth in St Barts. Tragically in a senseless accident, he slipped in the bathroom and sustained massive head injuries. He never regained consciousness.
Spike would have been 39 on April 13th 2010. He is survived by his wife Nicki and two young children, Jemima aged 5 and Fox aged 3.
Sailors from the Australian Etchells fleets have established a Perpetual Trophy in honour of Spike and an Auction Night to support his family has been incorporated into the Musto Etchells Australasian Winter Championship this year. We look forward to Nicky and her family joining in the various social activities during the regatta.
Etchells Doriean Family Appeal Auction – Saturday 12th June 2010
We call on the Etchells fleet to help raise funds for Nicki, Jemima and Fox, by way of donating your spare 'boat bits' for an auction to be held at the Post-race BBQ at the Tavern on Saturday 12th June 2010. Spike’s good mate Grant Wharington will be the Auctioneer and using his various talents to extract $’s from the Etchells Fleet deep pockets for this very worthwhile cause!
The donated item can be anything you like, from a sail to a paddle to a pair of lucky socks. All proceeds will be going directly to the Doriean Family Appeal, so please help us to make this event a great success.
Please bring your donation items with you on the night. Any queries, please speak to Graeme Taylor: 0414 323 554.
Peter (Spike) Doriean Most Outstanding Crew Member Perpetual Trophy – to be awarded on Sunday 13th June 2010.
In honour of Spike Doriean’s great contribution as a crew member in many Etchells regattas, a perpetual trophy has been established in his memory. Each year the Etchells Australasian Winter Championship Race Committee will select a deserving crew member who has displayed outstanding teamwork throughout the duration of the Mooloolaba regatta, to win this trophy.
The presentation of this inaugural trophy will be at the Prize Giving Sunday 13th June 2010.
Doriean Family Appeal
It is for his young family that we are appealing for your help. Spike was the sole provider for his young family, and his death, along with the financial burden of bringing Spike home to Australia, has had a devastating impact on this young family.
Unfortunately Nicki, Jemima and Fox now face a very uncertain financial future and this is why the Doriean Family Appeal has been established.
Nothing is going to bring Spike back but by supporting this appeal, you will be contributing to a fund that will be set up to help secure Nicki, Jemima and Fox's future. The fund has the support of Yachting Australia and the guidance of a number of high profile patrons. 100% of donations will go to Spike's family.
For further information or to make a donation, please go to the website: http://www.dorieanfamilyappeal.com/
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