Nöbetçi Eczaneler
The official registration list for the ninth edition of the Transat Québec Saint-Malo, presented in collaboration with the City of Levis, is now known. In total, there are 28 sailing ships from Quebec, France, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Spain, Germany, Sweden, and the Sultanate of Oman, with crews ranging from three to 12 people, that will be starting from Quebec City on July 10th to arrive on French soil eight to 15 days later.
Class40, Multi50, Open Class and Ultimate
With the participation of 19 Class40 sailing ships, five Multi50, two Open class and two Ultimate class monohull ships (see registration list), and including the highly-anticipated 131-foot (40m) multihull Spindrift 2 and the last-registered MOD70 Musandam-Oman Sail, the crossing promises to be captivating. “Many classes have answered the call this year and we are very satisfied with the registration list,” highlights race director Damien De Pas. The Class40, a very homogeneous one, brings together professionals and enthusiasts for top-level regattas. Loyal to the Transat Québec Saint-Malo, Multi50s will, as usual, put on a unique show with their fast trimarans.
A staggered start is planned for both Ultimate Class trimarans, which will attempt to beat the crossing record of seven days and 20 hours, established in 1996 by Loïck Peyron on Fujicolor II, an Orma trimaran measuring 60 feet. For Sidney Gavignet, skipper of the trimaran Musandam–Oman Sail, this will be a third time participating in this mythical race which, according to him, is a memorable one for all sailors who participate.
“The Transat Québec Saint-Malo is a classic,” he specifies. “In a sailor’s career, this race is an event one does not forget, with its lot of adventures and memories!” Part of his crew is an Irishman now living in Quebec, Damian Foxall, who boasts an impressive track record, having participated in the greatest ocean-going races, including the Volvo (four times), the Barcelona World Race, and the Oryx Quest. He now works for the Canadian Wildlife Federation, an organism with a mission to conserve wildlife in Canadian habitats, including the Saint-Lawrence River and its marine mammals.
Damian Foxall, who won the 2004 edition of the Transat Québec Saint-Malo, will be participating in this event for the third time. “It was extraordinary,” he recalls. “What is even better this year is that I will start as a Quebec resident, which is a great joy for me.” Well aware that his crew will be at the same start as the giant Spindrift 2, the adopted Quebecer does not see this negatively, rather the opposite. “It changes nothing to the quality of the race and the crossing. The challenge remains the same for both ships – reach Saint-Malo as quickly as possible while trying to establish a new record!”
Three villages from one continent to the other
From July 2nd to 31st, spectators will also have a chance to visit the Transat Village in the Old Port of Quebec City to meet with crews preparing, admire their stunning sailing ships, or participate in different activities proposed on site in order to learn more about the wide world of sailing!
Among other activities, exhibitors directly coming from the nautical world, a family site, and a floating bar will all be available to visitors. This without forgetting the Paquet Quay Village in Levis, which will also be animated July 2nd and third as well as July 8th to 10th. Across the ocean in Saint-Malo, Place Québec will be animated from July 18th to 28th to welcome the crews that will have also succeeded the incredible crossing from one side of the Atlantic to the other!
by Marie-Michelle Gagné
Source: yacht boat news