12-Aug-2006 -- "Le Raid des Bootleggers" was the second edition of a rendez-vous for all RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) boaters from Quebec Province. The ride is intended for RIB and inflatable boaters and consists as a one day cruise from Matane to Baie Comeau.

7 inflatables or RIBs with their crew took place in the ride on August 12th 2006 at 8h30 AM. The winds were 20 nots from the West and the temperature about 54° fahrenheit. At the beginning, we got a 3-4 feet shop to pass by during the firts 2 hours or so. It was a bit hard for some smaller boats and the skippers had to negociate the waves trying to smooth the ride a little bit. Altought, we maintained a 30 km/h speed.

Just before we arrive in the middle of the St-Lawrence, we set in a low wind region with absolutely no waves so we pushed up our outboards to get to "Anse St-Pancrase" as soon as possible because heavy rain was comming towards us. In route, we saw 3 belugas eating in front of our fleet.

We met at "Anse St-Pancrace" where we took a dinner and rest on the rock before we get back on the water, heading to Baie Comeau where we met a Minke Whale.

Then, after a short stop at Baie Comeau's marina to get some gaz (for certain...) we get the way back to Matane heading for the confluence point. We crossed 49°N 68°W under light rain at about 15h07 on 2006-08-12.

In the Saint Laurence River, about 18 km from land.