FestiVoile AQVA: Quebec’s Flagship Charitable Sailing Event
Festivoile AQVA. Photo credit: Enrico d’Urso.
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the waters of Lake Saint-Louis will host the 14th edition of FestiVoile AQVA, the new name for the event formerly known as the Regatta for AQVA. This one-of-a-kind charity sailing event, held in support of the Québec Adapted Sailing Association (AQVA), will bring together members from six yacht clubs in the region, along with AQVA sailors living with physical and/or sensory disabilities, for a friendly regatta or simply an enjoyable afternoon on the water.
Fourteen Years of Commitment
For the past fourteen years, a dedicated volunteer committee has organized what has become Quebec’s largest charitable sailing event. Thanks to their efforts, AQVA can continue providing the freedom, confidence, and fulfillment that adapted sailing offers to people with physical disabilities. Founded by members of the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club, which proudly hosts the event each year, FestiVoile AQVA is the Association’s primary fundraising event. Since its inception 14 years ago, it has raised more than $600,000 in support of AQVA.
Festivoile AQVA. Photo credit: Enrico d’Urso.
“This 14th edition marks an important milestone for us. We lost René Dallaire, a cornerstone of our organizing committee, during a year in which economic challenges demanded even greater creativity and resilience. It is in that spirit that we introduced our new identity, FestiVoile AQVA, reflecting our commitment to continue growing and moving forward.” — Nicole Vien, Chair of the FestiVoile AQVA Organizing Committee
An Edition Dedicated to Remembrance
This year’s event will be dedicated to René Dallaire, founder of the AQVA and a pioneer of adapted sailing in Quebec. His sailboat, Aladdin, will be helmed by Simon Hogue, a young AQVA sailor, carrying forward the legacy of the man who made it all possible.
Festivoile AQVA. Photo credit: Enrico d’Urso.
Event Schedule
The regatta will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, on Lake Saint-Louis. Approximately 50 sailboats from West Island yacht clubs will participate, including AQVA sailors aboard specially adapted Martin 16 sailboats. Each skipper raises funds through online sponsorships in support of the event.
The celebration will continue in the evening at the beautiful Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club with dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and an awards ceremony. All proceeds from the event will benefit the AQVA.
About AQVA
The Québec Adapted Sailing Association (AQVA) is dedicated to making sailing accessible to children and adults living with physical and/or sensory disabilities, including those with severe disabilities. Through adapted sailing, the AQVA promotes inclusion, independence, confidence, and personal growth.
Source: AQVA
