Jasmine Pernot, a 17-year-old from Quebec, is gearing up to embark on the biggest challenge of her sailing career yet. As the youngest skipper of the sailboat Prospector in the upcoming St-Laurent 400 race, she joins just two other women-led crews in this exciting competition.
Driven by a desire to inspire more young women to embrace sailing, Pernot reflects on the importance of having visible role models in the sport. She first discovered her passion for sailing three years ago through the Femina Youth program in Quebec, which provides free training to girls aged 15 to 17.
Set to lead a crew of seven through the 400-nautical-mile race, starting from Tadoussac and ending at the Magdalen Islands, Pernot navigates the challenging waters of Quebec with determination and skill.
Her coach, Daniel Bérubé, praises Pernot’s natural leadership abilities, recalling instances where she effortlessly took charge during practice sessions. The duo frequently trains at the Deux-Montagnes sailing club, honing their skills for the rigorous endurance race.
The St-Laurent 400 presents unique challenges, including navigating the technical waters of the St. Lawrence River with its tides, currents, and commercial traffic, as well as observing speed limits due to marine life like whales. Despite the complexities of the race, Pernot remains composed and focused, emphasizing the importance of her crew’s well-being and the possibility of achieving a podium finish.
Keyphrase: Young Women Sailing
