Let’s embark on The Transat Québec Saint-Malo with Jeanne, our SAILIZ ambassador!

The Transat Québec Saint-Malo is the race that set the pace for our summer, even though it started from another continent!

Join us in this legendary crewed race.

About the Transat Quebec Saint-Malo

The Transat Québec-Saint-Malo is a crewed transatlantic race that takes place every four years, from Quebec City in Canada to Saint-Malo in Brittany. It is the oldest offshore race from West to East, non-stop and fully crewed.

Ocean racers set off on the Saint Lawrence River, between Quebec City and Lévis, to tackle the challenges of navigating the Saint Lawrence and its traps, currents, and tides, cross the Atlantic via the north and avoid icebergs, and finally enter the English Channel through intense maritime traffic and strong currents.

Despite very cold conditions and strong winds, our ambassador Jeanne did not falter and participated in this race last June.

The Story of the Transat Québec-Saint-Malo

And it was on July 17, 2025, at 2:30 PM that Jeanne finished her first transatlantic race!

“It was my first transatlantic race and also my first “real” race with high-level
competitors in Class 40. It was also a first with a large
crew; we were 8 on board, and it was quite a challenge, because I was really
used to solo, double, trio sailing…”

The race started with the ascent of the Saint Lawrence, with its
magnificent landscapes, but also a very tough ascent with winds that weren’t necessarily
in our favor, and strong currents. That’s where the battle with the competitors
began! And we had a wonderful encounter with belugas for
several days…
Once in the Atlantic, it was a pleasure to speed towards Saint-Malo and continue this
battle. We experienced varying conditions, from calm to strong gales.
But the East-to-West transatlantic race has unique characteristics: weather
choices cannot be made in advance, because we start from where the
phenomena are created. It was incredibly enriching in terms of route
choices, routing, sails…

Off Ushant, we had a wonderful encounter with
whales and were able to re-establish human contact via VHF with cargo ships.
Our arrival in Saint-Malo was in calm conditions, but we were really eager
to arrive and reunite with our loved ones (and also to stop eating freeze-dried food…
I was craving crepes and galettes 😉). We crossed the finish line on July 17 at
2:30 PM with a great 3rd place and a well-deserved podium! It was the end of a wonderful
adventure.“

Race Summary

For my part, it was during this transatlantic race that I realized that the project I want to pursue
is truly this one! And I am more than determined to improve my navigation skills.

I also realized that crew life wasn’t that easy. But I’m really looking forward to racing and doing another transatlantic race, and doing this Quebec Saint-
Malo again!

And what was it like to cross with SAILIZ bib pants?

During this transatlantic race, the weather was often humid, and we were soaked. I had my amazing Sailiz
bib pants, which I never took off! I wore the bib pants in all weather conditions, even in 60 knots!
I stayed perfectly dry despite the waves washing over the deck. I highly recommend them to all female sailors, whether coastal or offshore; I was able to move and maneuver easily as I wished.

Thanks to Jeanne Bourse, sailor, for taking the time to tell us about her sailing adventures. We will be sure to share the rest of her adventures with you.

Would you like more information about The Transat Quebec Saint-Malo? Feel free to take a look at The Transat Quebec Saint-Malo website.

Who do you think will be the next SAILIZ ambassador to participate in The Transat Québec Saint-Malo in 4 years?