Québec City, November, 2 2022. - Voile internationale Québec joins forces with the organizers of the Coupe Femina, Formation Nautique Québec, to announce a 100% female Quebec crew at the start of the Class 40 Transat Québec-St-Malo in 2024.
The new "Femina Challenge" category of the Coupe Femina, reserved for the most experienced female racers, will be used to select the participants who will form the crew for the crossing to St-Malo.
"This is a unique opportunity not only to promote sailing in Quebec, but also to actively support a 100% women's crew. To my recollection, this hasn't happened since 1984," says Richard Samson, general manager of the Transat Québec-St-Malo, noting that in 2024, the Coupe Femina activities will be an integral part of the Transat Québec Saint-Malo.
Michelle Cantin, CEO of Formation Nautique Québec and organizer of the Coupe Femina, adds that sailing is a predominantly male sport in Quebec, and that strong initiatives are needed to provide the necessary space for the development of women's leadership and empowerment in the sport by offering opportunities like this.
Since 2014, the Coupe Femina has brought hundreds of women sailors together annually in Lévis on the St. Lawrence River. The aim is to democratize and promote women's sailing by propelling the leadership and positive values that surround it. The 2022 edition brought together 175 women on 35 sailboats.
"This year, we're pushing the envelope with the preparation of a women's crew for the Transat Québec-Saint-Malo 2024. We'll be tapping into the ever-growing pool of women who want to race, and who will sign up for the Femina Challenge of the Coupe Femina 2023. We're waiting for the end of the Route du Rhum to start actively looking for a boat to carry out this project," adds Ms. Cantin.
About the Transat Québec-St-Malo
Organized by Voile internationale Québec, the Transat Québec-St-Malo (TQSM) is the oldest non-stop, crewed, ocean race from west to east, held every four years since 1984 on the St. Lawrence River between Quebec City and Lévis.
About Formation Nautique Québec
Established in 2004, Formation Nautique Québec (FNQ) is one of Canada's leading sailing schools, offering training, certification and a safe sailing environment. Approved by Voile Québec, Voile Canada and International Yacht Training, it has been the driving force behind the Coupe Femina since its inception in 2014.
