Centre de Voile Grande-Rivière sets sail with vibrant Nautical Festival festivities
Jude Osmond
Outaouais sailors crowded the Centre de Voile Grande Rivière over the weekend to partake in the 14th edition of the Nautical Festival hosted by Nautisme Quebec. The event offered a variety of activities for experienced and new sailors to enjoy throughout the festivities, including a dinghy ride offered by Nautisme Quebec and face painting for children.
The real showstopper was the keelboat tours offered by the Centre de Voile Grande Rivière, which were free for the public. All available time slots were booked for both days, and each boat was at maximum capacity for every tour.
Various information booths were on site, including the Gatineau Police Department's water safety booth, explaining how to stay safe out on the water, and the Borealis Sailing Club, which had information on sailing and other tips for water activities. Other booths were also on hand, helping participants learn to tie knots and educating the public about the region's waterways.
The festivities will continue on Saturday, July 11, with the Centre nautique de la Lièvre hosting nautical activities, including an introductory kayaking and canoeing course, information booths, free trials of watercraft, and more.