Matt Pearce has been in the sailmaking industry for close to four decades working for lofts and professional racing teams, beginning his sailmaking career with Ian Short Sails in 1984, and moving through his apprenticeship and gaining the skill set to run the loft floor.
Matt then continued to upskill taking his wealth of knowledge to One World Challenge as a sailmaker for the 2023 America’s Cup. Pearce used his sailmaking skill set as a stepping stone into a career of professional sailing and to commercialised his skills.
Working for America’s Cup teams, professional racing teams and Australian local teams as a sailmaker and rigger, including Maxi yachts such as Ragamuffin 100 and Scallywag 100. Along with the Shore Manager/Boat Captain role for the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race for the Scallywag Sailing Team. Matt was also part of the Doyle-powered LawConnect team as their bowman for the 2021 and 2022 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Races.
Pearce with 180,000 sea miles to his name has completed 22 Sydney to Hobart races and 4 Transatlantic crossings, Pearce has won the Transpac Race, the Antiqua to Bermuda Race, the Sydney Southport Race, and set race records in the Okinawa to Tokai race, and the Hong Kong – Vietnam Race over the years.
In One Design classes, Matt has plenty of experience, from Sydney 38s, Magic 25s and 18ft skiffs, he has won both State and National titles in all these classes.
Having previously worked with Doyle Sails Sydney, Shane Guanaria of Doyle Sails Sydney is thrilled to have expanded his team “ I have known Matt for quite a few years now, going back to racing 18 footers together with Sean Langman. Matt’s experience and passion for sailing and sail making is a perfect fit for our loft and the Doyle ethos of “By Sailors, for sailors”. Matt will be a key figure for us as our presence in the Grand Prix and Superyacht markets continue to grow.”
“It’s good to be home where I belong. I’m very much looking forward to the future with Doyle Sails and I’m extremely impressed with the technology of the products. The guys are putting out here.” Said Pearce
“It is an exciting time for the brand worldwide wide and as we enter the peak of our Australian summer season with the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the addition of Matt to our already strong team which includes former 12ft skiff Australian Champion and lifelong sailmaker Ben Gemmel couldn’t have come at a better time.” Continued Shane
About Doyle Sails // Doyle Sails is dedicated to delivering success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation. With a legacy spanning four decades, Doyle Sails connects sailors, inspiring and encouraging the sailing community worldwide.
Sailing is in their DNA, and they remain steadfast as custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for generations achieve their sailing ambitions. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.
By sailors, for sailors.
For more information, please visit www.doylesails.com.