Conferences

A rich and diverse program celebrating the entire world of sailing in Quebec, hosted by our spokesperson Vikie Pedneault—a biologist currently restoring the mythical Toison d’Or.

From conferences and travel logs to ecology, life aboard, cultural performances, and interactive workshops, you will find everything needed to inspire and bring the nautical community together.

** All conferences will be in French.

Animation by Vikie Pedneault

11h30

Vikie Pedneault – Welcome Message

Vikie Pedneault: Biologist, humorist, and dedicated whale and St. Lawrence River enthusiast.

11h45

Éric Tremblay – Les petits secrets du Lac Champlain

Come learn from the man who embodies rigorous local navigation!

Through this presentation inspired by the book The Little Secrets of Lake Champlain, Éric will share the keys to better understanding, planning, and navigating safely.

12h45

Benoît Villeneuve – Partir en mer

Do you dream of setting sail, casting off the lines, and navigating to the Bahamas and beyond?
To turn that dream into a reality and prevent it from becoming a nightmare, you must passionately commit to your project’s preparation. Benoit Villeneuve guides us through the key stages of a successful preparation that will help you live your adventure with confidence and safety.

13h45

Scouts Marins du Grand Montréal

The Scouts Marins du Grand Montréal are dedicated to promoting and making Sea Scouting accessible throughout Quebec and Eastern Ontario. They provide a fleet of vessels to scouting units looking to develop nautical skills and navigate our unique waterways.

14h35

Maële Savard – Voile Autochtone

Maële Savard invites us to rediscover sailing through a perspective deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions.
Through her project of returning to one’s roots, she highlights the historical bond between Indigenous peoples and the St. Lawrence River—a true natural highway long before the arrival of settlers.
Her approach proposes a reconnection to the land, culture, and ancestral knowledge, reminding us that to navigate is also to honor those who charted the first routes upon the water.

14h45

EcoMaris – Learning on a large training sailing ship

With this non-profit organization, discover how navigation becomes a powerful tool for education and personal development, promoting autonomy, confidence and resilience.

15h40

Patrick Lavigne – The majestic St. Lawrence River

The St. Lawrence River is known for its sometimes challenging navigation conditions.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Patrick will share a wealth of information to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey from Quebec to the Gaspé Peninsula and the North Shore.

16h50

Vikie Pedneault – The Golden Fleece – in search of the treasures of the St. Lawrence

Come discover the story of an abandoned sailboat that became an ambitious and inspiring project.

Through this story, Vikie will share behind-the-scenes details of the restoration of the Toison d’Or and how this project will connect the public to our heritage treasure…the St. Lawrence River!

17h40

Luc Bernuy – L’Intracostal, le guide

They set off as a couple on a 34-foot sailboat, with a budget of $10,000 for 26 months.

Through this story, told with humor and passion, you’ll experience the journey of a lifetime, without GPS and before electronic charts!

18h25

Sailing Atypic

Warning: this special presentation might just inspire you to set sail!

Véro and Pat will prove that living aboard ship is possible, immersing you in their nomadic lifestyle and their personal and financial realities.