May 15, 2016

The Quebec Maritime Association (QMA) invited boating industry representatives to celebrate its 2oth anniversary with a Gala evening at the Hotel Mortagne (Boucherville) last April 16. More than 250 persons attended this evening of celebration highlighted by an Awards ceremony where the QMA presented “Nautique d’Or” to top boating industry personalities and marine businesses in Quebec. 

The QMA 20 years Gala will be an event to remember with representatives from all sectors of the marine sector attending – marinas, boat dealers, manufacturers and marine services from all over the province. Being at the forefront of the development of boating in Quebec, the QMA wanted to reward individuals and organizations who distinguished themselves for their dedication to best practises in the pleasure boating field.

With Henri René de Cotret (boating journalist and an avid boater himself) acting as MC, the Gala evening started with a Nautique d’Or awarded to Mr. Paul McGarr, past president of the Association Québécoise de l’Industrie Nautique (AQIN), followed by another to Mr. Marcel Dubois, former president of Princecraft. Both were awarded Nautiques d’Or for their exceptional contributions to boating.

A third Nautique d’Or was awarded to Mr. Henri Beaudout for his historic crossing of the Atlantic on a wooden raft with his crew of two in 1956. Four other Nautiques d’Or were presented to past QMA presidents for their dedication to the growth of their association and boating: Mario Larosée, Jacques Tessier, Norman Payeur and Walter Timmerman, who have been successively at the helm of the organization in the course of the past 20 years.

Later, the QMA honored boating industry laureates recognized for their best business practises. Marina Fortin (Saint-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-Noix) and Mathias Marine Sports (St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu) were awarded each a Nautique d’Or, the former in the category for Best Client Service and the latter for Top Exhibitor at the Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show. 

Nautique d’Or 2016 Recipients

• Marina Fortin, Nautique d’Or, Dealers for Best Client Service category

• Mathias Marine Sports, Nautique d’Argent, Dealers for Best Client Service category

• Coupe Fémina, Nautique d’Or, Nautical Event of the Year category

• Le Rendez-vous nautique, Nautique d’Argent, Nautical Event of the Year category

• Mathias Marine Sports, Nautique d’Or, Exhibitor of the Year category

• Princecraft, Nautique d’Or, Manufacturer of the Year category

• Club nautique de Roberval, Nautique d’Or, Marina of the Year category

• Club nautique de Lévy, Nautique d’Argent, Marina of the Year category

• Équipe de Voile Atlas, Nautique d’or, Nautical Services Business category

“I’m very happy with the number and quality of Awards submissions received for this very first Nautique d’Or ceremony”, points out Yves Paquette, general manager of the QMA. “This shows clearly that there is a strong commitment to improve facilities, services and practises offered to boaters in Quebec”, concluded Mr. Paquette.

Mr. Paquette, who served as general manager of the QMA for the past 13 years, is retiring this May and was also honored for his involvement during his tenure. All who were present for this Gala evening applauded him warmly as he was presented with a special Award for the occasion.

The 20 Years Gala evening and ceremony was made possible by the support of AVIVA, DEE Global, BRP and Océan Télévision. 

The Quebec Maritime Association also wishes to thank these partners for their contributions: Masse Communications, La Presse Nautique, Mathias Marine Sports, Groupe Brunswick, Groupe Thomas Marine, Drummondville Marine, Princecraft, Marine Daniel Masson, Yamaha, Univesta, Intact Assurance and l’Escale Nautique.