Disappearance of Dominique Presles
Naval architect Dominique Presles passed away at the age of 79 in his home in Arradon in the Gulf of Morbihan. He leaves behind him an important legacy for the whole of his profession, notably through his achievements in the yachting industry and his work in transmitting naval architecture.
A disciple of André Mauric and Jean Knocker
Dominique Presles' first experience of naval architecture was with Jean Knocker. At the time a student with a passion for boats and a desire to stop everything, he contacted him to join his yard. Jean Knocker tried to dissuade him, but he insisted and finally spent 10 months training with him. He then joined the office of the famous André Mauric where he continued to develop his knowledge of naval architecture.
From racing and cruising yachts to trawlers
In 40 years, Dominique Presles has completed 60 ship projects, from 5 to 35 meters. He works with all materials: aluminum, steel or composite. Sailing and regatta enthusiasts remember the schooner Grand Louis designed for André Viant, the first French sailing boat in the first crewed round-the-world race in 1973. La Fernande and Petrouchka have also left their mark on the race-cruise.
Dominique Presles also designs production sailboats for yachtsmen with the Pen Duick 600 and the Craff 33. He worked on luxury cruising projects, such as the 105-foot high-tech catamaran Lady Barbaretta, made of carbon epoxy.
He is also interested in professional ships, designing trawlers for the La Houle shipping company or the Villefranche-sur-mer gate boat. Dominique Presles is also involved in the restoration and reconstruction of wooden heritage sailing ships, such as the lugger Corentin or the Fleur de Lampaul.
Teaching and transmission of naval architecture
The trace of Dominique Presles in naval architecture is not limited to his boats and his plans. He is at the origin of the first training courses in the sector, with the launch in 1971 of courses at the Paris La Villette School of Architecture, which became the DPEA and a partner of ENSTA Bretagne.
The "Paulet-Presles", the nickname of the book "Naval Architecture, Knowledge and Practice" written with Dominique Paulet, is part of the library of every naval architect in the country. Its third edition was released in 2018. It synthesizes many of the fundamentals of yacht and commercial ship design.
Frédéric Neuman, who knew him for a long time, testifies to his willingness to share his knowledge. "We had been working together for 20 years, since I was his trainee in 1998. Beyond what he gave me, transmission was very important to him. He always gave importance to the youth he trusted. That was part of him."
