Coupe du Quebec Bombardier (Martin 16)

Another great post from a favourite correspondent, Jen Davey!

This weekend, the Association québécoise de voile adaptée (AQVA) hosted the Coupe du Quebec Bombardier at the Pointe Claire Yacht Club in Montreal, Quebec. The two day event for sailors with disabilities was raced on Martin 16s and drew competitors from Quebec, Ontario, New York, and Vermont. Sailors raced in two fleets, Silver for newer racers and Gold for more experienced

On Saturday, light, shifty winds and strong current challenged sailors in both fleets, while Sunday saw stronger breeze with occasional rain. The Race Committee, led by Madeleine Palfreeman, worked hard to get in 5 races for Silver and 4 for gold over the weekend. In the end, local knowledge paid off as the host club finished with strong results. The Silver fleet was won by AQVA’s J-P Dussault, followed by team mates Vincent Gagnon and Steve Payette. Gold was tightly contested with AQVA’s Marc Villeneuve taking first place just one point ahead of Christine Lavallée, of the Nepean Sailing Club. Pierre Richard of AQVA rounded out the top three.

AQVA was proud to host several distinguished guests throughout the weekend. Jean-Pierre Grenier, Pro Mayor of the City of Pointe Claire, Francis Scarpaleggia, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint- Louis, Karen O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, as well as Caroline Tison, Executive Director of West Island Community Shares. The city, region, and both organizations have been strong supporters of AQVA’s mission to provide sailing opportunities for persons with disabilities. A big thanks also to the staff of AQVA, PCYC, and all the volunteers, including many of our friends from neighbouring Lac St Louis clubs and beyond.