Old Quebec – The great gathering of ships and sailors with an international scope, the Rendez-vous naval de Québec (RVNQ) is back, from July 4 to 7. This is the sixth edition which will take place on piers 19, 21 and 22, as well as at the Agora of the Port of Quebec.
By Marie-Ève Groleau
“This meeting is an opportunity for the population to meet the sailors, to tour the ships, in a festive environment. These include ships from France (the FS Rhone), the United States (the USS Carney), Great Britain (the HMS Protector), and two ships from Canada, such as the HMCS William Hall. In 2024, it will be the largest gathering of modern military ships. Visitors will have the opportunity to realize the importance of the naval and maritime presence in Quebec over the years,” presented the director of the Rendez-vous naval, Marc-Olivier D’Amours.
Added to this program are several exhibitions, an opening ceremony in the presence of dignitaries, a parade, festive evenings, a musical show by Guitar Legend and the Quebec group, Bosko Baker. There will also be the presentation of the peace mural, ambulatory entertainment, a large table, small cabarets for children, liberation dance, as well as Jazz music and sea shanties. Access to the shows is free.
On the Pointe-à-Carcy side, it will be possible to visit the Symbols exhibition and see the Canadian Naval Reserve Centennial Fresco.
There will also be the NEPTUNE benefit cocktail at the Quebec Cruise Terminal to fund certain services of the Valcartier Military Family Resource Centre (VMFRC) Foundation. The Foundation’s needs are even more evident given the large number of Canadian military personnel currently deployed in Estonia, an allied country on the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine.
A little history
Historical in scope, the Naval Rendezvous pays tribute to the numerous military personnel involved in different operations. The organization took the opportunity to commemorate the 100e anniversary of the First World War, the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Armed Forces Base of Valcartier and the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings of the Second World War.
“Canada has played an important role in many operations at the military level and for maritime security. Let us recall the role of the Royal Canadian Navy, 80 years ago today, in the Normandy landings. We are also here for the democratization of the army at the naval level. Apart from maritime protection, we will present all our activities such as the collection and various analysis of data,” said the director.
Launched in 2008, the Rendez-vous naval de Québec’s mission is to welcome Canadian and foreign sailors to Quebec. Remember that this biennial gathering, unique in Canada, attracted more than 300,000 visitors during the four editions held in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. The complete program of the Rendez-vous naval is available on the website https://rendezvousnaval.ca.
Previous edition of the Rendez-vous naval de Québec. (Photo: Thierry Fortier)
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