North Atlantic Crossing by Rowboat (2013)

Mylène Paquette is the first person from the American continents to row solo across the North Atlantic—a human adventure that’s far more than an achievement in sports.

Above all, Mylène is an inspiring adventurer and a celebrated speaker recognized here and abroad for the positive impact of her message and her involvement in different causes and the sea in particular. She is also concerned about the environment and the footprint she’ll leave for her children and future generations. Day after day, she pushes her own limits to crack open new horizons.

Michel, a meteorologist and router, had followed Mylène since her beginnings as a rower in 2010. A guardian angel of sorts, and a witness to Mylène’s dream, Michel fanned the flame Mylène had kept alive on her own since returning from her first crossing. A seasoned pro, he tracked her movements between the two continents daily. Michel’s impact as a member of the team was significant. His scientific approach and unshakeable confidence allowed everyone to be optimistic for the duration of the crossing. Every day, Mylène would receive a position to aim for and row toward.

As the saying goes, behind every great woman is a great man.
Hermel Lavoie was one of the key pillars in the achievement of Mylène’s odyssey. He not only prepared the vessel, christened the “Hermel” in his honour, but also accompanied the adventurer daily in the extraordinary jolts the Atlantic had in store for them. A trained mechanic and a navigator and outboard repairer, his experience was called on in all phases of the project. His endearing personality and sense of humour allowed the team to unwind when necessary. A right-hand man, mentor and friend, the man with the stars in his eyes left us in 2016. Despite his absence, he holds a special place in Mylène’s daily life and his influence is still felt to this day.

Months before Mylène went to sea, Dominique was already one of the key people involved in the project and an equally important friend and advisor. As the head of communications and media relations, she had countless ideas to help Mylène gain visibility and convince potential partners. It was her guidance that helped the project gain momentum.

Hermel Lavoie’s son gave a lot of himself. He joined the team a few weeks before the departure and provided support for the adventurer several times a week. With his insatiable humour, critical eye, and unwavering support for his father Hermel, Jean-Pierre was busy on all fronts: participating in meetings, problem solving, developing software programs to enable Mylène to more easily transfer files remotely, and making Mylène laugh, over and over.

In his stellar career in human resource management, Benoît has seen all kinds of critical situations. During the ocean voyage, he was one of the people responsible for emergency measures or search-and-rescue initiatives; acting as a conduit with the family in crucial times; participating in the search for solutions in times of crisis; and keeping morale up for the team and the rower herself. In short, indispensable!

Sylvain Croteau is an emergency physician and a triathlete who has been rowing for years. Mylène met him the day before he left for his own crossing. The next day, he flew to Africa to become an ocean rower himself. In March 2011, he successfully participated in “The Big Blue” project with an international team of 14 rowers during their Atlantic crossing from Morocco to Barbados. During her crossing, Mylène knew she could rely on a doctor who could understand exactly what situation she might be in.

Christiane is an experienced emergency physician. Through mutual friends, Mylène had the chance to rely on this budding friendship for help with her project. Christiane, who is herself an enthusiast of water sports and outdoor activities, is more than qualified to accompany the rower in case of health issues. Her analytical mind, kindness, and listening skills are put to use throughout the journey. And beyond emergencies, Christiane has intervened on several occasions in prevention for Mylène. Christiane was a perfect fit to be part of this great team.

Jacques’ help was monumental for the pre-departure work. Many things remained to be done and Jacques was there to accompany Mylène in her ups and downs as well as teh rest of the team including Hermel, Martin, Suzanne, Jean-Pierre. Jacques was involved months before the departure to validate procedures and create a disaster plan for search and rescue at sea. As a career military man, Jacques had been involved in search and rescue operations at sea for many years and was well experienced, and equipped, to help Mylène make the right decisions before her immense challenge. Lastly, he accompanied Mylène out to sea on the morning of of her departure July 6, 2013! He was also there, upon arrival in Lorient, France to welcome, assist Mylene and prepare the boat for the return to Canada.

The Hermel was well supported by Bruno, Jacques, Martin, Suzanne St-Pierre, Bill Gleeson, Gilles Plourde and many other people who lent a hand . Without them, the boat would not have been ready to leave the city of… Rimouski!
Bruno built the wind turbine, Jacques had a hand in most of the work including electrical work with Hermel. Bill was Hermel’s right hand man. Gilles and Martin were precious collaborators. In addition to the immeasurable help given to the Hermel, Martin and his partner, Suzanne, went all the way with Mylène and accompanied her until the last minute on the Atlantic, before leaving her to face the ocean off the bow!