Historic Departure of the 10th Transat Quebec-Saint Malo Amidst Stormy Weather

On a bustling Sunday in Quebec, the anticipated departure of the 10th Transat Quebec-Saint Malo took place amidst unexpected stormy weather. Thousands of sailing enthusiasts gathered along the Samuel-De Champlain promenade to witness this historic event. However, the excitement was briefly dampened when a sudden thunderstorm hit the area around 1:55 pm, obscuring the view of the Quebec Bridge from Sillery’s Jetée Park.

As the rain cascaded down, the departure of the race was delayed by about ten minutes due to the storm’s intensity. Thankfully, at 2:05 pm, the sun reappeared just in time for the official start. The 28 crews raised their sails, catching a strong tailwind as they set off on their journey.

Despite the storm passing, the weather was now perfect with blue skies and a brisk wind. Hundreds of onlookers gathered near Sillery’s Jetée Park, the official starting point of the race, to catch a glimpse of the departing vessels. Armed with binoculars and umbrellas, curious spectators lined the banks of the Saint-Laurent River to witness the spectacle.

Meanwhile, in the Saguenay region, sisters Louise and Maryse Trudel seized the opportunity to witness the start of the oceanic race. Louise, a sailing enthusiast, traveled to Quebec to enjoy the event with her sister Maryse. Maryse, a Quebec resident, has frequented the event in the past and expressed her admiration for the Samuel-De Champlain promenade, a favorite spot for strolls and bike rides.

Among the spectators were also the Charette sisters, capturing the departure of the sailboats with keen interest. Positioned near the beach station on the Samuel-De Champlain promenade, they awaited the vessels sailing at a considerable speed on the open waters.

This event appealed to families, with children marveling at the dozens of sailboats while elders reminisced about family traditions associated with the Quebec region. One lady fondly recalled her father taking her to the marina on Saturday mornings, instilling in her a deep passion for boats and sailing.

The 10th edition of the Transat Quebec-Saint Malo, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of its founding in 1984, featured a diverse crew comprising three Italians, one German, one Quebecer, and 23 French sailors. This edition marks a significant return after the cancellation of the race in 2020, with the participants aiming to break the 1996 record for the fastest transatlantic crossing.

Notably, Quebec sailor Georges Leblanc, with extensive experience spanning six participations, embarks on his final voyage aboard El Unicornio with a ten-member crew. Having sailed the equivalent of 16 circumnavigations of the Earth, the 72-year-old skipper is set for yet another remarkable journey.