Pierre Fehlmann

Pierre Fehlmann: The Godfather of Swiss Offshore Sailing

Early Childhood and Initial Connection to Sailing

Born in Geneva in 1942, Pierre Fehlmann learned to sail on Lake Geneva’s calm but challenging waters. Though Switzerland lacked a coast, Fehlmann was captivated by the prospect of ocean racing and believed Swiss sailors could thrive beyond the Alps.

Journey to Nautical Success

Fehlmann gained international attention with Disque D'Or III in the 1977–78 Whitbread Round the World Race. He returned for several editions, each time refining the Swiss approach to offshore racing. His preparation was methodical, his leadership quiet but firm.

Major Career Achievements

Fehlmann participated in four Whitbread races, bringing Swiss sailing to the global stage and proving that inland sailors could compete at oceanic scale. His campaigns became blueprints for future Swiss teams, helping lay the foundation for projects like Alinghi.

One of his most iconic projects came in 1989–90 with the UBS Switzerland campaign in the Whitbread Round the World Race. It marked the first time a major Swiss bank had supported such an endeavor at that scale, signaling a new era of corporate-backed offshore racing. Fehlmann’s leadership and the professionalism of his team helped earn offshore sailing respect and recognition in Switzerland’s broader sporting and business communities.

He also championed local training programs and negotiated long-term sponsor partnerships, turning what began as personal ambition into a movement that reshaped Swiss sailing culture.

Personal Life and Broader Impact

Fehlmann is widely regarded as the man who legitimized Swiss offshore efforts. His influence is seen not only in the boats that followed but in the mindset he instilled—one of quiet confidence, deliberate preparation, and belief in possibility.