Battle of the Elements: Coastal Clash Between Mountain and Sea
The ÉcoVoile Regatta Returns with a Focus on Sustainable Sailing
The 13th edition of the ÉcoVoile Regatta is underway in Baie-des-Chaleurs, marking the return of the event to the Quebec circuit after a few years' absence. This year, the regatta is part of the Clean Regattas program, which aims to minimize its ecological footprint.
The ÉcoSail Regatta, as the event is known, is not just about competitive sailing. Its mission extends beyond promoting sailing, emphasizing the protection and preservation of the marine environment.
Laurent-David Beaulieu, president of the ÉcoVoile cooperative's board of directors, is participating in the F18 races. Beaulieu, who began his love affair with competitive sailing as a sailing instructor at the age of 15, now holds administrative positions without losing sight of his passion for navigation.
The F18 boats, designed with advanced technology and made entirely of carbon, are known for their high speeds. These boats, along with dinghies and cruisers, will be competing in the regatta. Dinghy competitions are typically 40 minutes long and are divided according to boat type. Cruisers, larger boats often habitable, can measure from 20 to 100 feet.
The regatta encourages clean and sustainable sailing, highlighting sailing’s low environmental impact compared to motorized boating. It integrates environmental education, engaging participants and spectators through workshops, talks, and activities focused on marine biodiversity, pollution, and conservation challenges.
The regatta promotes waste reduction, recycling, and minimizing pollution during the event, setting an example for sustainable event management on the water. It also supports ocean cleanup and research, sometimes collaborating with scientific and environmental organizations to incorporate marine debris collection along the race routes.
Vincent Duchemin, director of operations for the ÉcoSail cooperative, explains that a sequence of starts is launched every five minutes, and boats have to complete a certain number of laps before crossing the finish line. Competitors can choose to participate with dinghies, cruisers, or racing boats.
This year's edition of the ÉcoVoile Regatta is expected to have around a hundred competitors, not counting volunteers. Enthusiasts of competitive sailing from all corners of the province are participating. Laurent-David Beaulieu expresses optimism about the weekend's weather conditions for the ÉcoVoile Regatta.
The ÉcoVoile Regatta demonstrates how the sailing community can be active ambassadors for protecting oceans and promoting sustainable interaction with our marine ecosystems. By combining competitive sailing with environmental stewardship, the regatta is a testament to the power of sport in raising awareness and fostering change for a better, greener future.
Sports enthusiasts from various parts of the province are participating in the ÉcoVoile Regatta, showcasing their skills in the high-speed F18 boats, dinghies, and cruisers, as they race with a focus on sustainable sailing. The event's mission extends beyond just sports, emphasizing the protection and preservation of the marine environment, making it a unique blend of competition and environmental stewardship.
