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


Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More


Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More