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 plus 7 crew

Captain Pascal Goger, 42 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

Captain Goger shares DOUCE FRANCE’s command alternately with
Captain Louis Pigeonnier, 43 years old

For the last ten years Louis has accumulated extensive experience in the chartering domain, serving aboard such luxurious yachts as Highest Honor II (86 foot catamaran), the classic 50 meter private motor yacht, Clipper 40, and the 60 foot motor yacht Vice Admiral Benbow. Louis has navigated throughout the Caribbean, the East and West Mediterranean and has numerous transatlantic crossings to his credit.

In addition, Louis’ excellent managerial skills ensure a smooth performing organization in regard to the crew and yacht. He is fully conversant and fluent in English. Louis’ hobbies include nautical sports and snowboarding. He also plays the soprano and tenor saxophone – mostly jazz! In summary, Louis offers a solid and successful background in chartering. Capable of directing his crew in the most professional manner, Captain Pigeonnier will ensure a perfect charter cruise aboard DOUCE FRANCE.

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

Chef David Huchard

Fabrice Rapenne, Diving Instructor, 31 years old

Fabrice serves as a permanent crewmember on DOUCE FRANCE and as the private diving instructor. He is a fully qualified swim instructor and lifeguard as well as a former member of the French Ski-Bump Team. Fabrice has been on DOUCE FRANCE for three years and looks forward to many more opportunities to offer guests the chance to discover the underwater beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Whenever possible, conditions and locale permitting, he delights in diving to catch fresh lobster and fish to be served to guests. Fabrice can dive to a depth of 165 feet - without a tank!

CMAS or PADI instruction is possible and official diving certificates can be issued to qualifying guests while on board, including children of minimum age requirements. Douce France provides a superb opportunity for a “first” dive for beginners – offering one-on-one attention and total security. There is a complete inventory of diving equipment on board for guests who wish to dive.

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