The biggest cruising catamaran ever built.

"Douce France Dear country of my childhood, I will always keep you in my heart" Charles Trent 1947

Douce France unique in the world
Step on board and she'll set sail
The cruise can become a dream
For the magic is there
In Flavors, new islands, space and sea
Relax in the comfort of elegance and performance
Magic and security in a boat of great distinction.

Designed and built as a small cruiseliner to take you and your guests on a trip to remember. She offers you the space and comfort of luxury, cabins, with the option of first class. The same attention to safety and reliability expected from a cruiseliner. With state-of-the-art equipment keeping her on course. Refinement and elegance make her a boat of exception. "This is not a yacht but a cruiseliner".  Relax, secure in the hands of experienced captain and crew...we will take you wherever you wish, even around the world!

Designed for circumnavigating the world, Douce France schooner sail plan is powerful enough to maintain high average speeds in comfortable cruising conditions. Our catamaran is characterized by 138' fine hulls and eight shallow - drafted keels. She has a moderate overall beam to lighten the loads in rigging and sails thereby reduce the weight of the boat. Douce France was launched in September 1998.

 Founded in 1983, the agency Marc Van Peteghem & Vincent Lauriot-Prévost rapidly gained a reputation for the design of racing and cruising multihulls. Florence Arthaud, Eric Tabarly Laurent Bourgnon, Olivier de Kersauson, Lionel Péan and Philippe Poupon are among the well-known skippers who have placed their trust in us to design their racing machines.

And some of the largest boat builders in France have commissioned us to design their cruising catamarans. Using Unigraphics for CAD, a velocity prediction program (\TPP) and software to optimize hydrodynamic profiles for rudders and keels, the agency' is perfectly' equipped for research and high technology in the domain of naval architecture.

Pure lines and the finest wood... Douce France's interior is the essence of sobriety and elegance. The sycamore-lined suites provide a discreet setting for delicate watercolors, glass decor and richly-woven kilim rugs. With light filtering through wooden shades, mahogany and rosewood furniture bring out an air of colonial charm.

On the coach roof, the pilot cockpit with steering and all handling offers the crew 360 visibility. Under the flying bridge, the lower deck with exterior table provides a terrace for the interior saloon, where guests may enjoy panoramic views.

The boat offers six suites, each with en-suite toilets and bathrooms. The crew members have separate accommodations in the forepeak. Douce France is more than a cruising boat. Her design is such that passengers may enjoy the comfort of a small ship as well as the ease and freedom of a boat with its own unique character.

Douce France's Crew

Captain Pascal Groger plus 7 crew

Captain Pascal Goger, 42 years old

Captain Pascal Goger, 44 years old

Pascal’s family have been sailors from generation to generation for centuries – records show that one was a privateer! Perhaps this accounts for the adventurous spirit that has taken him to the rough waters of the Antarctic, Patagonia, the Irish Sea, and the British Isles. He also has very detailed knowledge of the Western Mediterranean, particularly Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and the Amalfi Coast.

Having served as skipper on Douce France since 1999, Pascal has solid charter experience and knows the Caribbean Islands very well. Before joining Douce France, he served as first officer on the 295 foot motor yacht, Clelia, and as navigator on a 180 foot inter-island passenger vessel.

Pascal particularly enjoys sharing Douce France’s stunning sailing performance with his guests. In his free time he enjoys diving, spear fishing and helping to raise his four year old son.

Professional qualifications:
French Merchant Marine Captain’s License – General Operator’s Certificate (GMDSS)
Certificate in Advanced Firefighting
Certificate of Competence in the use of Radar
Maritime Medical and First Aid Diploma
Certificate of Competence in the use of Radar
Maritime Medical and First Aid Diploma

Chef: Shailen Sewlall
Chef Shailen Sewlall is 29 years old. He hails from the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, and it was here that he completed his professional training at the Hotel School of Mauritius.

Shailen’s career has taken him to several top hotels throughout the region including the Lemuria Resort, Seychelles Islands. He worked as Sous Chef there unde Robert Lalleman, a third generation French chef. Lalleman was acclaimed as one of the top seven chefs of Provence for his inspired cuisine at L’Auberge de Noves in Avignon.

In 2004, Shailen decided to leave terra firma behind and joined the cruise ship “Pearl of Seychelles” as Head Chef. After a very successful year there, he came to Douce France in December 2006.

As one would expect of a chef who comes from an island paradise, Shailen specializes in fresh seafood - usually caught from the yacht that day! He also lists fusion, a tantalizing blend of French and Creole cooking from his native Mauritius, as a speciality. Shailen's cuisine receives rave reviews from all guests on board Douce France!

Stewardess: Sabine Bellay, age 32
After finishing business school, Sabine managed a restaurant in France, but a love of traveling and sailing drew her away to sea. She has been head hostess on Douce France for the past year and her passion for providing the very best service is undiminished. Sabine is always attentive and happily sees to your every need, no matter how large or small.

Engineer & Dive Master: Nolwenn Boisorieux, 34
Nolwenn has been the chief mechanic onboard for four years, responsible for the main engines as well as the generators, water makers and all other technical systems. He has overseen all mechanical upgrades and refits, and knows Douce France better than anyone. Nolwenn loves everything about the sea and will accompany you on scuba dives.

Stewardess: Anais Huard, 27
Anais has been on board DOUCE FRANCE since 2008 and brings a strong backround in hospitality, catering and service. Born and educated in France, she has also lived and worked in Australia and is fluent in English and also speaks some German. Her qualifications include STCW95, ISPS introductory Cours and Seafarers Medical Certificate. Anis has a gentle manner and strong organizational skills.

First Mate: Mickael Tanguy, age 38
Mickael has over 10 years experience working on yachts including STCW95 and other qualifications. He speaks excellent English and is very athletic and enjoys all water sports as well as tennis and running. His other interests include photography and cinema.

Deckhand: Gregory Pannetier, age 27
Gregory was born and raised in the South of France, but speaks fluent English. During his experience working on yachts he has sailed extensively throughouth the Caribbean, West & East Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean. Greg holds a 200 ton captains license, STCW95 & 98 and an engineer certificate. In addition to sailing Greg very much enjoys fishing.

Equipment & Toys

21' Zeplin Tenderw100 HP
10' Zodiac
Rotax waverunner
Rowing boat
Laser sailing dinghy
Fishing Gear & Snorkeling Equipment
Water-skis
Scurfer
Windsurfer
Phone and fax
ensuite Stereo CD system
Color TV
VCR and Library

Dive Instructor, 5 tanks, 5 sets gear, compressor onboard