Official launch of the 85th Régates de Valleyfield festivities
The 85th edition of the Régates de Valleyfield officially kicked off tonight during a festive 5 à 7 held at the temporary Regatta Museum, located at the Valleyfield Nautical Club (410 Victoria Street). Created in collaboration with Le Muso, the museum is open to the public free of charge from June 28 to July 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can immerse themselves in regatta histo-ry through never-before-seen artifacts, trophies, photos, and memorabilia.
The 2025 program promises to be spectacular, with 72 races scheduled over the weekend: 17 on Friday, 28 on Saturday, and 27 on Sunday. Activities will begin each day at 9 a.m. with the No-vice class program, followed by competitions in the Vintage, 2.5 Liter, Formula 2500, Jersey Speed Skiff, Hydro 350, Pro-Hydro, and Grand Prix classes.
As of July 1, 105 boats are registered for this milestone edition of the Valleyfield Regatta. This number may vary slightly depending on the results and adjustments following the 75th Madison Regatta, held this weekend in Indiana.
Last year, several drivers stood out by accumulating points throughout the weekend. In the Novi-ce class, N-109 L’angle d’attaque with Olivier Maisonneuve and N-409 Abby’s Boat driven by Noémie Maisonneuve tied in points. Olivier was declared the overall winner thanks to a higher average speed—a true family tie. In the 2.5 Liter class, Dominic Billette dominated at the helm of S-22 All-In. In Formula 2500, Eddie Kanfoush took the win with the F-500 Centless 16, while Jimmie Stewart and Peggy Ewancio impressed in the Jersey Speed Skiff class with the JSS-10 Yumpin’ Yiminy. Frédéric Couturier drove H-14 Legacy 1 to victory in the Hydro 350 class, and Jay Withehair stood out in the Pro-Hydro class with V-146 Steeler. Finally, in the Grand Prix class, another family tie marked the weekend: Jack Lupton (GP-33 JLM Motorsport) and his brother Ken Lupton (GP-577 Lucas Oil) finished with equal points, but Jack was declared the winner due to his higher speed.
Weekend challenges: Friday Challenge and the GP Challenge
Among the highlights of the weekend, the highly anticipated Friday Challenge returns, featuring two rounds of qualifying and a spectacular final in the Formula 2500 and Hydro 350 classes. In 2024, Grant Liddycoat narrowly edged out Eddie Kanfoush, while Karl St-Vincent took the crown in his class.
The GP Challenge will also conclude on Sunday, after previous stops in Guntersville and Madi-son. As of today, Ken Lupton (GP-33) leads the standings with 50 points, followed by Jeff Ber-nard (GP-79 Bad Influence) and Brandon Kennedy (GP-35 TM Special). With 13 Grand Prix boats confirmed, the competition will be fierce.
Drivers autograph sessions – Saturday
Fans will have the chance to meet the drivers during free autograph sessions held Saturday af-ternoon under the rotunda near the pits:
1:30 p.m. – Grand Prix Class
2:00 p.m. – Jersey Speed Skiff & Pro-Hydro Classes
2:30 p.m. – 2.5 Liter Class
3:00 p.m. – Formula 2500
3:30 p.m. – Hydro 350
A perfect opportunity to meet drivers, snap photos, and collect autographs.
New Novice Pit Area – Coors Light Island
In a continued effort to improve the experience, a new pit area has been developed at the tip of Coors Light Island for young Novice drivers. This new location offers more space and easier wa-ter access. Spectators are invited to meet the racers — novice pit access is free with a "Races and Shows" passport.
Hall of Fame – 3rd Edition
On Wednesday, July 9, the organization will honor over 20 notable individuals during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony under the Univesta tent. Builders, racing legends, long-time volun-teers, and partners will be celebrated for their contributions to the growth and prestige of the Va-lleyfield Regatta. This invitation-only event will welcome 250 guests. Among the 2025 inductees are legendary drivers Jimmy King and Jean Théorêt, both of whom have left a lasting legacy in the world of hydroplane racing.
Evening VIP tent dinners
Two gourmet dinners will enhance the weekend: Friday, July 4 – Italian Fiesta: a four-course meal with welcome cocktail, unlimited wine and beer, and VIP access starting at 5 p.m., for $125. Saturday, July 5 – Traditional Lobster Dinner: benefiting Accueil pour elle, also four courses with VIP access, at $250. By popular demand, individual tickets are now available at regatesvalleyfield.com. Quantities are limited — first come, first served.
Win your VIP Box
New this year, the "Win Your VIP Box" draw offers fans a unique chance to experience the Re-gatta like never before. For $50, you could win a VIP suite for 8 people, with a prime view of the circuit, for one of the race days: Friday, July 11, Saturday, July 12, or Sunday, July 13. Three winners will be drawn: the first for Sunday, the second for Saturday, and the third for Friday. Only 200 tickets are available. Sales close July 8 at 11:59 p.m., and the draw will take place July 9 at noon. Tickets are available now at regatesvalleyfield.com.
Tribute to François Leroux
Finally, a heartfelt tribute will be paid to François Leroux, driver of H-447 Miss OMG, who tragi-cally passed away in 2024. A moment of silence will be observed Friday morning at the start of the races, and again at 4 minutes and 47 seconds into the countdown of the Hydro 350 final on Friday, in reference to his boat number. At those exact moments, all event activities and commu-nications will briefly pause in solidarity with his family, volunteers, and spectators affected by these painful circumstances.
In conclusion
The 2025 Valleyfield Regatta promises a weekend full of intensity, emotion, and unforgettable memories — a celebration of a cherished nautical tradition that spans generations. Come celebrate 85 years of history with us on Baie Saint-François.