Date of Birth: March, 28, 1979
Place of Birth: Brest, France
Nationality: French
Position: Structural Design, Design-build liaison
Steven rejoined ORACLE Racing’s Design Team in April 2011 after having been part of the America’s Cup-winning squad in 2010.
Steven’s background in structural engineering and practical experience working on some of the giant multihull projects in France are ideally suited for the design team. He liaises with the build team with regards to structural analysis and the latest building techniques and materials.
“My job consists of two main aspects,” says Steven. “There’s wing design, where I perform structural analysis and concepts. I’m also the design-build liaison. As the engineer on the production site, I discuss with the boat builders to adapt either build techniques or details of design to bring about the best results.”
Steven’s background isn’t rooted in sailing, but his engineering skills landed him at HDS, a leading French race boat structural engineering firm. HDS worked with ORACLE Racing during the development of the 90-foot trimaran, USA 17.
“I’ve been working at HDS for the past 10 years,” Steven says. “I worked on the trimaran project starting in the fall of 2007, on the platform and the mast, and later on the Wing in 2009. After the 33rd Cup, I went back to HDS to work on various projects before rejoining ORACLE Racing.”
At HDS Steven has worked on record-breaking projects such as the maxi trimarans Groupama 3, Banque Populaire V and l’Hydroptere (the 60-foot speed-sailing hydo-foiler).
“Being able to see the multiple phases of a project -- from concept to design to build to sailing -- come together is very rewarding,” Steven says.
Career Highlights
2011: Rejoined ORACLE Racing (April)
2010: 33rd America’s Cup, ORACLE Racing, winner