Transat Québec Saint-Malo to Launch Its 8th Edition with Newly Signed Partner, the Canadian Wildlife Federation

With the 2012 edition of the Transat Québec Saint-Malo approaching, Voile Internationale Québec is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with the Canadian Wildlife Federation as a key event partner. Bolstered by this association, Transat Québec Saint-Malo (TQSM) will officially announce its 2012 event alongside its new partner at the Salon nautique international de Paris on Monday, December 5, 2011.

“Sail for Wildlife”
The Transat Québec Saint-Malo race will give the Canadian Wildlife Federation an opportunity to promote a new code of conduct being developed as part of its Sail for Wildlife program. "CWF is proud to be a major sustainability partner in the Transat Québec Saint-Malo race. The CWF Sail for Wildlife program is a unique initiative that draws awareness to our waterways and the marine life and ecosystems they support," said Wade Luzny, CEO, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. “Our partnership in the race is a perfect way to engage the sailing community, and encourage their involvement in the Code of Conduct that we are developing.  Sailors are very connected to the health of our rivers, lakes and oceans. By sharing their knowledge, they can help educate the public about conserving this habitat and the wildlife that depends on it for survival."

As an example, Transat skippers will be invited to share online their river encounters with the various species, at letransatquebecstmalo.com. This is a great opportunity for the public to learn more about marine life in the world’s largest estuary.
 
The Transat Québec Saint-Malo: an eco-responsible event
TQSM is preparing an even greener event this time, thanks to the active involvement of the Canadian Wildlife Federation on the wharves of both Quebec City and Saint-Malo. In addition to helping the organizing committee make this event the most eco-responsible possible, and with a mutual goal of showing the vitality of the river, the organizing committee is planning activities for a green space where people can learn about the importance of our ecosystems.

Salon nautique de Paris? We’ll be there!
Seven months before the race, Transat President Sylvain Gagné will be announcing the high points of the event: "We are always thrilled to have the Salon nautique international de Paris as a venue for such announcements. This time, the get-together will be even more special because Transat will be presenting a like-minded partner—a partner that is truly committed to making our water course eco-responsible. This course, the St. Lawrence River, distinguishes Transat from other large-scale races.” 

A brief history
Every four years since its inception in 1984, the Transat Québec Saint-Malo has brought together the best professional monohull and multihull ocean racers around. Known as a “classic,” the Transat is the only continuous west-to-east offshore double-handed race in the world. The race promotes its two home ports, Québec and Saint-Malo, and showcases the challenging St. Lawrence where sailors are forced to deploy many more ruses and tactics than usual.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

About the Transat Québec Saint-Malo
 The Transat Québec Saint-Malo is sponsored by Voile Internationale Québec and managed by Gestev. Established in 1992 in the Quebec City Area, Gestev specializes in sports and cultural event management and is certified BNQ 9700-253.

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Source: Gestev

Information on the Transat Québec Saint-Malo:   
Marie-Claire D’Aoust
Media Relations Director, 418-802-6275, mcdaoust@gestev.com


Information on the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
Pamela Logan
Communications, 613-222-1405, pamelal@cwf-fcf.org