Peter ‘Spike’ Doriean dead -Rambler crew sails in his honour

by Sail-World.com on 7 Apr 2010 The international sailing world was stunned yesterday 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 sailing with.

Recognised as one of the most talented international sailors Spike was in demand on the Volvo Round the world race, the America's Cup, LV and TP52 circuits.

Details of Spike’s death are not known at the moment, He 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 which starts today. Spike would have been 39 on April 13th.

We have been advised that Spike’s wife Nicki is currently in transit to St Barts.

It is believed that his funeral will take place in his home town Melbourne, (he was born on the Mornington Penisula ) - when details are known, we will advise.

Sincerest sympathies go to Nicki and the children, his parents and family.

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Here is the latest report from the Les Voiles de Saint Barth Regatta

The American, Kenny Reed, skipper of the Maxi Puma turned up this morning aboard Rambler, but was clearly shocked by the tragic loss of Peter ‘Spike’ Doriean, who died in an accident yesterday (Monday 5th April), apparently after slipping over and falling to the floor in his bathroom in Saint-Martin.

The 90-foot Reichel-Pugh designed Rambler (ex-Alfa Romeo I) is one of the stars that people are looking forward to seeing at the Voiles de Saint-Barth. Kenny Reed stated that his crew were very distressed, but that it was the will of Spike’s close ones that his memory should be honoured by them taking part in the event.

So it is with great sadness and with their friend and fellow crewman on their minds that the sailors on Rambler will be taking part in this first edition of the 'Voiles de Saint Barth'.

Peter 'Spike' Doriean, a well known Australian sailor and extremely talented professional crewman died in an accident yesterday in his hotel in Saint-Martin. Aged 38, he had taken part in many top class international races.

Trimmer on Movistar in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race and member of the News Corp team in 2001-2002, he was also a regular in the TP 52 circuit on Audi Q8, in the America’s Cup and took part in many Sydney-Hobart races.