ABOUT US

Men, boats, oceans: a trio which stirs passions and sparks tremendous energy. For almost 20 years, our team has forged a unique path in this world, expanding projects and alliances. Ocean Energy wishes to bring together ideas, visions and skills, prioritizing collaboration as a strategic vehicle for success.

Our history

In 1999, Damien De Pas created Ocean Energy in order to embark on a challenging ocean racing project: participation in the Mini-Transat. This world-famous solo race between France and Brazil is reserved for small 6,50 meter sailing boats. Mobilizing the talents of a team of enthusiasts and with the help of several partners, the 21-year old sailor successfully completed part one with brio: giving birth to Dingo, the first 6,50 prototype made in Quebec. Shortly after, boat and skipper crossed the Atlantic on a container ship. After a few months of final preparation in the port of Brest, Damien and Dingo completed three qualifying races totalling 2000 nautical miles before setting off on the Mini-Transat from La Rochelle on September 22nd, 2001, along with 55 participants from various countries. Damien and Dingo crossed the finish line at Salvador de Bahia on October 30th. The book, De la V’limeuse à Dingo, chronicles that amazing adventure, and includes 40 articles published throughout the project from the Montreal daily newspaper, La Presse.

Buoyed by this first success, Damien redirected part of the activities of Ocean Energy to outreach. Thanks to the documentary by Evangeline De Pas about the Mini-Transat project, Damien swapped the helm for a microphone. His alliance with Les Grands Explorateurs opened doors to public conferences and school presentations. A second presentation, Le Versant Bleu, designed for elementary and secondary school children, presented a global vision of the ocean with the goal of promoting environmental awareness. Over the years, approximately 100,000 spectators of all ages were reached.

Ocean Energy continued its involvement in offshore racing through collaboration with Eric Tabardel’s project: the construction of the Class40 Bleu, another magnificent « made in Quebec » prototype. Damien De Pas joined Éric Tabardel as skippers for the Transat Quebec – Saint-Malo 2012. Three years later, Ocean Energy obtained the mandate to become Race Director of the 2016 edition.

Since 2009, Ocean Energy has joined Wichard, a professional marine hardware team. This association allowed testing of new products and eventually leaded to the development of a new « distribution » line. Today, Ocean Energy offers a range of high-quality products and continues close collaboration with WPG Canada, Wichard’s exclusive distributor for Canada.