Some people are born with salt in their veins. Nicolas wasn’t one of them. As a child, even walking on docks made him uneasy. The world of water intimidated him; he was afraid of it—until one day, at the age of seven, a metal fishing boat changed everything.
“How can something made of metal float? That’s not normal…” he wondered. The question sparked something in him. Fear gave way to fascination, and curiosity began to chart its course. Without realizing it, a path had opened before him. At nine, his father signed him up—without asking—for the Founex Yacht Club. Nicolas didn’t have the heart to say no. Despite his fear of sinking, despite his nerves, he went. First to please his father. Then, out of determination. And eventually, out of love for the sport.