After a two-year hiatus, the 7th edition of the Coupe Femina was a resounding success from 7 to July, 10 2022. For Formation Nautique Québec, organizers of the event, it was the best they could have wished for. All the ingredients were in place to ensure the Coupe Femina made a stunning comeback: 160 happy sailors, bursting with energy, motivation and determination, on 35 boats, came together to experience the 100% feminine sailing challenge: Coupe Femina.
The majority of Quebec's regions were represented, with participants coming from 60 towns and cities across the province, and one from Brest.
Our most influential and unpredictable collaborator, the weather, contributed positively to the success of the competition: fine weather was on the cards. Light to insistent winds combined with tide reversals added to the complexity of the course, creating a major challenge for the sailors.
Le parcours 2022 établi entre la Baie de Beauport et la Baie de Cap Rouge combinait bouées et marées. Le 1er départ fut donné à 9 h 35 et c’est la classe Alizée qui a débuté le parcours de 27 milles nautiques, suivie par les classes « Rafale », « Évolution » et les catamarans de la catégorie « F-18 ». Favorisé par les conditions météos du jour, il aura pris entre 6 et 8 heures pour réaliser le trajet de 27 milles nautiques sur les 9 à 10 h prévues initialement.
This 7th 100% women's sailing event was a resounding success all round, and the organizers were delighted to see all the enthusiasm pouring into the Parc Nautique Lévy marina.
Intense competition on the Femina Challenge
The organization took the bold step of adding a new competition to its line-up: the Femina Challenge. Leading up to the Trophée Transat Québec Saint-Malo, this challenge was aimed at female sailors with a competitive streak. In addition to taking part in the Coupe Femina on Saturday July, 9 2022, two additional races were to be completed between Quebec City and Lévis on Friday, July 8.
A lively, very lively competition took place between the 24 women who made up the 4 registered crews. At the end of the three scheduled legs, skipper Marie-Eve Bergeron's crew at the helm of the yacht Rubicon won the Trophée Transat Québec Saint-Malo. This new competition has piqued the curiosity and interest of many other competitors. There's every reason to believe that we'll see a considerable increase in the number of Femina Challenge participants in 2023.
The next generation on the podium
This year's edition of the Coupe Femina was all about the next generation of racers. They were ready and motivated, with a single goal in mind: to finish the course. This was all their 1st experience as skippers in a regatta, and they all distinguished themselves.
Justine Lamonde, 21, skipper of the sailboat Maylight deserves 1st place in the 100% female category with her young crew.
Marie Anguenot, aged 19, took 3rd place in the Évolution category at the helm of Merlot II.
Camille Pouliot, 21, selected in 2017 from the 1st cohort of Bateau de la relève, has climbed to 5th place in the 100% female class as skipper on the sailboat Sao.
F-18 CANs
Another big surprise awaited the organizers. In the super-small performance category, CAN F-18, 10 catamarans took to the starting line. This was a record number of entries for this category. Impressive, they offered a fine performance and a great show. The organization was delighted to welcome them.
Mission accomplished
Mission accomplished for the 7th edition of the Coupe Femina. For the organizing committee, this success is based on the commitment to the event, the hard work of the fifty or so volunteers and the confidence of all our partners.
After 3 days of activities, the sailors returned to their communities with a great sense of achievement, and the promise of a guaranteed return in 2023.
All information and images concerning the Coupe Femina are available on the website www.coupe-femina.com
Michelle Cantin
President of the Coupe Femina
