Lévis, Friday, September 1, 2023, Michelle Cantin, president of the Coupe Femina, is proud to present the sailors of the 100% women's crew that will be at the start of the Transat Québec-Saint-Malo 2024, and hopes to accelerate the acquisition of a Class40 racing yacht in the process.
The 5-woman crew is led by skipper Céline Allaire. She combines experience and leadership. "I'm motivated by the challenge, the sailing and the solidarity of our team, so that we can give it everything we've got to have a flawless race," says Ms. Allaire.
With a wealth of racing and ocean sailing experience, including the mythical Cape Horn, Ms. Allaire is counting on a crew that also has offshore sailing experience. The skipper relies primarily on listening, support and teamwork to ensure the success of the crew at the start of the Transat.
For Michelle Cantin, the experience also involves a physical, technical and psychological development plan tailored to the needs of the racers. "It will be necessary to test the crew through physical fitness stress assessments in order to personalize an individual training program (cardio / muscular / stretching / nutrition) to ensure they have the best chances of performing in their category." Technical training in seamanship, mechanics and safety at sea will also be offered to ensure that all crew members develop the same technical basics.
We're carrying this project at arm's length," stresses Ms. Cantin. "We are in the process of choosing a Class40 boat, and are also prospecting for a support team with the same skills as the lead team. We are also approaching the government and the private sector to accelerate financial partnerships for the project."
For his part, Richard Samson, general manager of the Transat Québec Saint Malo, is delighted that the 2024 edition of the Transat Québec Saint-Malo will feature a 100% female crew. "We'll be welcoming them to Saint-Malo with great pomp and circumstance, so Breton sailors needn't worry."
The runners:
Crew
Céline Allaire, skipper
Emmanuelle Barea, team member
Sylvie Lauzon, team member
Gwenn Duval, team member
Solène Roland, Media woman
