Quebec City, July, 7 2023. The 8th edition of the Coupe Femina is looking forward to reaffirming its position as the largest gathering of women sailors in a sporting event in Canada.
Since 2014, women from all over Quebec have gathered annually in Lévis to take on this 100% women's nautical challenge on the St. Lawrence River. It's the largest gathering of women sailors in Canada, and its reputation echoes beyond our borders, notably in France and the United States.
"Coupe Femina actively supports the role of women and up-and-coming talent in this still predominantly male sport. This unique event allows them to capitalize on their full potential, to surpass themselves and to develop their self-esteem through a team sport. It gives women all the levers they need to develop leadership and empowerment in a competitive and human context," emphasizes Michelle Cantin, President of the Coupe Femina.
Since its inception, the Coupe Femina has grown exponentially. Now considered a major event in the City of Lévis, it is positioned as the only large-scale annual nautical event for the National Capital.
"I'm delighted to see that sailing sports are becoming increasingly popular in the Capitale-Nationale region, and that Quebec women are carving out a more than enviable place for themselves in this field. Every year, they demonstrate their impressive talent and pass on their taste for surpassing themselves to many newcomers. I salute this initiative and wish all participants great success," adds Jonatan Julien, Minister responsible for Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region.
"I'm proud to support this major event, which brings together hundreds of people every year on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Lévis. I invite the people of Lévis to come out in large numbers to encourage the participants and discover sailing. Long live this competition, which showcases our home-grown talent," says Bernard Drainville, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region.
For her part, Isabelle Charest, Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation and Outdoors, maintains that every opportunity is good to encourage young girls to take up sport. "Since taking office, I've made it a point of honour to attract as many girls as possible to the world of sport and recreation. That's why I'm proud to support the organization of this unique competition. Young girls need inspiring role models, and these sailors are wonderful examples!"
"The City of Lévis is proud to support the Coupe Femina, a large-scale 100% women's sporting event, which raises the profile of Lévis women and women from many countries around the world. I'm even prouder to see women from here and abroad taking over the St. Lawrence River for nearly 10 years to surpass themselves" - Gilles Lehouillier, Mayor of Lévis.
In conclusion, Ms. Cantin reminds us that the objective is to take the Coupe Femina to another level, and to develop projects that will promote the influence of women in competitive sport. "The event has grown thanks to the participation of the hundreds of women who proudly wear the colors of the Coupe Femina every year," she concludes.
The start of the Coupe Femina will take place on Saturday July 8 at 9 a.m. at Quai Paquet in Lévis.
Last but not least, legendary sailors Marie Tabarly and Justine Mettraux will join our panel of speakers on Sunday July 9 at 9 h to share their experiences, their passion and the challenges of ocean racing.
