The Helly Hansen Sailor of the Month – Michelle Cantin, Coupe Femina 

Sept 26, 2019

In 2014, Michelle Cantin put her ideas into shape with the start of Coupe Femina. The now annual all women’s event aims to bring females together to take part in a two-day event based in Lévis, Québec. 

On August 6th, Coupe Femina took off from the Parc Nautique Lévy marina for a 32 nautical mile race. With over 174 participants, 2019 saw the most registration since the event started in 2014. 

The two-day event encompasses learning and racing. The first day teaches women about theory with the opportunity to practice on the water preparing for the next day. Founded by Michelle Cantin, this cup aims to gather women across Québec who all share a passion for sailing. “Coupe Femina is a distinctive event where dynamism, determination, courage, team spirit, endurance and motivation meet to encourage female leadership.”

The organizing committee will create teams if needed based on experience to ensure everyone has a fair chance of winning. Any women can register as long as they have basic sailing training or equivalent experience.

Not only does this event allow women to compete in a comfortable environment, but it also introduces sailing to young women. “As a contest in high school, this event invites girls from 15-17 years old to register” Michelle explains. “A jury selects 9 young women to compose the 3 crews who will take up this nautical challenge. A 30-hour training in sailing cruises is offered by the Quebec Nautical Training Sailing School including the supervision of an instructor by the crew until the race.”

Inspiring, Coupe Femina becomes a source of self-improvement, motivation, perseverance and self-esteem for women of all ages. Learn more about this empowering event here. 

All results from Coupe Femina can be found here 

Sail Canada’s Sailor of the Month award acknowledges sailing achievements by Canadians involved or associated with the sport in all its forms. Sail Canada encourages the submission of noteworthy Canadian sailing activities to sailorofthemonth@sailing.ca