Voile Mercator expands sailing school along Quebec’s Côte‑Nord

The cooperative Voile Mercator, marking its 40th anniversary and a decade as a cooperative, offers intensive multi‑day sailing courses where participants live, eat and sail aboard the boat for periods ranging from two to fourteen days. The school is extending its routes beyond Tadoussac and Charlevoix to include Sept‑Îles, Havre‑St‑Pierre, Anticosti and other parts of the Côte‑Nord, aiming to train the next generation of navigators.

Vice‑president Juliette Guillot notes rising interest in nautical tourism, with municipalities such as Forestville and Baie‑Comeau expressing plans to build new piers. The cooperative promotes a low‑carbon model, using wind power and onboard composting. Participation has grown since the pandemic, with women now making up 52 % of trainees, reflecting a more inclusive environment.