Nicolas Berthoud
Sailing master
Vernier

« The sails must combine structure, quality, ingenuity and aesthetics. They are the engine of the boat. »

Nicolas Berthoud trained in the sailmaker for four years with one goal in mind: to participate in races around the world. His dream came true in 1988 when he went to sea with navigator Pierre Fehlmann. In 1991, he founded the Europ’sails sailmaker with his partner Jean-Luc Lévêque. In 2019, he won the Métiers d’art & Design prize with designer Claudio Colucci and chandelier Jacky Riesen.

« We know how to manage large areas of fabric and the loads that weigh on them. From there, the projects can be very varied: boat sails, lamps or shade cloths. »

Using cutting machines, sewing machines and gluing tools, Nicolas Berthoud produces made-to-measure sails in woven polyester or Kevlar. It equips both racing and cruising sailboats and works worldwide mainly for individuals. In addition, he designs shade cloths and curtains for buildings. The sailmaker employs nine people.

Distinction

2019, first prize for Métiers d’art & Design, Métiers d’art Switzerland

Connections

https://www.letemps.ch/societe/vernier-halle-cathedrale-deux-maitresvoiliers

https://www.lacote.ch/articles/divers/economie-locale/la-voilerie-pour-vocation--562148

http://www.courseaularge.com/la-voilerie-europsails-championne-du-monde-de-6m-ji.html