BNI Challenge Regatta – August 24

BNI Challenge

Sept 12, 2019

It was a riveting scene: sailboats from various yacht clubs with courageous mobility-impaired sailors unconfined by wheelchairs—all united for the 7th annual BNI Challenge to raise money for equipping these brave sailors and running an extraordinary program called Association québecoise de voile adaptée (AQVA). 

The 7th edition of The BNI Challenge (sponsor is Business Network International) was held on August 24th at the Royal Saint-Lawrence Yacht Club in Montréal, to support local sailors with disabilities.

Thirty one boats from six clubs raced in the annual regatta, including seven Martin 16s (adapted to sailors with limited mobility). Over 160 people assembled for a party and auction and the event raised a record $55,000 for l’Association québécoise de voile adaptée.

BNI Challenge GroupThe evening lawn party at Royal St-Lawrence YC

Special thanks to Olympic and pro sailor Kai Bjorn, director of BNI Canada, for his generous sponsorship and commitment to the cause. Over the past seven summers, the event has raised over $200,000 ! Check out photos and results on facebook and instagram (defibnichallenge) or at www.aqva.org

– Nicole Vien

Related Articles


ENVGO NV1: Back to the Future

By Andy Adams

Up to this point, I feel that most electric boats have not been very exciting. The motors have been mainly small portable models for dinghies. There are some high-horsepower motors available, but they look like regular outboard motors to be used on conventional boats. Until now, there hasn’t been an electric boat that really makes a statement. Enter the ENVGO NV1.

Read More


Destinations

Canada’s Superior: the North Shore

Story and photos by Jennifer M. Smith

We’d been north before on a short two-week cruise. At the time, we were unprepared for the isolation, the lack of cell phone coverage, and the spotty VHF reception. Since then we’ve repowered, installed Starlink, and retired from work. Now, with confidence in our engine and our connectivity and more time to sail, we were Superior-ready.


Read More