Find out more about the organization
Michelle Cantin
President and CEO
About us
Welcome to a place where women sail in the feminine.
The Coupe Femina is a breath of freedom, a meeting with oneself and a community that takes each woman further than she ever imagined. Since 2014, over 1,300 women have already experienced this adventure, each leaving her mark on this great story that unites us.
On the St. Lawrence River, in the heart of Lévis, women sailors from all over the world gather to dare, learn, grow... and discover that they are capable of anything.
Here, sailing becomes an engine of achievement, daring, solidarity and pride.
Here, every woman finds her place.
Here, every story becomes an inspiration.
Welcome aboard the adventure that could change your life.
2014
Since its inception in 2014, the Coupe Femina has brought female sailors from all over Quebec and beyond to Lévis each year for races on the St. Lawrence River, with the mission of democratizing and promoting women's sailing.
2024
The 2024 edition was exceptional in terms of races, activities and gatherings, and brought together 160 women aged 15 to 65 representing 51 cities and municipalities across Quebec, testifying to the growing scope of the event.
2025
The 2025 edition was distinguished by the quality of its races, activities and gatherings, bringing together 175 participants from all over Quebec.
Accessible to all!
Every woman
has its place on
the starting line
You don't have to be a seasoned sailor, own a boat or even have a full crew to take part: we'll do everything we can to get you on board. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skipper, alone or with a trained (or incomplete) crew, we'll make sure you're ready to take your place on the starting line!
Ways to get involved
- Skipper with boat and crew
- Skipper with boat, without crew
- Already a crew member
- Crewwoman looking for a crew
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Good health
- Sailing experience as a crew member or skipper (equivalent to basic sailing course)
Navigate and surpass yourself in safety
Our mission
The Coupe Femina's mission is to :
- Democratizing and promoting women's sailing, by making the sport accessible to women and girls from all backgrounds.
- Promoting self-accomplishment and self-improvement through safe and stimulating nautical challenges.
- Encouraging women and girls to take up sport, by promoting their leadership and presence in the nautical world.
- Promote values of determination, team spirit, perseverance and self-esteem, the foundations of a supportive and inspiring community.
- Inspiring success by creating strong, inspiring female role models.
- Supporting eco-responsible practices, to enhance and protect the St. Lawrence River, our collective playground.
Evolution: towards self-sufficiency at sea
For many, it's their first time as skippers in a regatta, and there's a mixture of excitement and butterflies in the stomach at the thought of taking the helm. But in the end, they all agree: they've dared, they've pushed their limits, and the pride of having taken this step is written all over their faces!
The "Evolution" classroom school to facilitate participation and training.
If we want to be consistent and democratize women's sailing, we need to give as many women as possible access to the river in a safe and educational environment.
In this context, due to the large number of women who wish to take up the Coupe Femina nautical challenge and who cannot find a place on board because they do not have access to a sailboat or the experience to do so independently, the Coupe Femina organization has created a new class: the "Evolution" participative class. Still reserved for 100% female crews, this class authorizes the presence of a male skipper on board, who will act as advisor and tactician, but may not at any time take part in maneuvers other than harbor maneuvers. He may only intervene in the event of an emergency.
The addition of this new class opens the way to welcoming more female sailors who would not otherwise have access to it, training them to navigate the St. Lawrence River and giving them the confidence to become independent. We hope that the "Evolution" class will become a source of training, motivation and transition to the eventual 100% women's class.
The "Evolution" class is a parallel race to the Coupe Femina and has its own ranking.
Skippers and crew, hoist the sails!
Security
Participants are never alone. When it comes to safety, the organization doesn't skimp. All along the race route, support boats, manned by experienced skippers, supervise the race and keep an eye on the course. So, if for any particular reason a crew had difficulty maneuvering, or wished to abandon the race, safety personnel would be on hand to provide assistance and meet their needs, and bring the boat back if necessary.
