Dr. Bernard Destrube

Argo Challenge Welcomes Dr. Bernard Destrube

Dr. Destrube is currently the Vice President of IFDS (International Federation of Disabled Sailors), Chairman of the Medical Committee and Member of the Equipment Evaluation Committee. Dr. Destrube eagerly joins The Argo Challenge as advisor on safety issues.

The recently retired general practitioner and sports doctor in a private practice in France has been the Head Medic for the World Sailing Cup event in Hyeres, France, the Assistant Medic for several offshore races, including two Vendee Globe Races, the Route du Rhum Transat, the Transat Jacques Vabre, the 2004 British Transat, as well as many Figaro solo races. Furthermore, he was Medic in the rescue team following the French ORMA 60 Trimaran Circuit, providing immediate medical attention from a high-powered RIB following the boats.

His experience includes sailing different boats, such as VOR 70, IMOCA 60 Monohulls, and ORMA 60-foot trimarans. Among Destrube 's many contributions to offshore sailing is pioneering work, which led to the introduction of active noise cancellation headphones.

Within IFDS, he has been a key element in spotting safety issues concerning disabled athletes, and ensuring that these issues have been efficiently corrected within the Federation.

"The Argo Challenge's accomplishments and the team that it is building, give me high confidence in the viability of this project, and that its values and objectives are in line with my commitments. It is my pleasure to join Argo and offer my expertise, especially in the challenging aspects of the different disabilities you are to have aboard. I look forward to the possibility of working on this project," said Destrube upon learning of the Argo Challenge at the 2011 Rolex Miami Olympic Classes Regatta.