For its 85th edition, the Régates de Valleyfield will be pulling out all the stops both on stage, with its entertainment component, and on the water, with its racing component. True to its tradition, the event combining thrills and culture will be held in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield's Delpha-Sauvé Park on July 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12. 

At a dinner attended by the partners of this major event at the Toro restaurant in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, the organizing committee of this international competition unveiled the program for the 85th edition. Among the dignitaries attending the meal were the Mayor of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Miguel Lemieux, and the Member of Parliament for Salaberry-Suroît, Claude DeBellefeuille. 

"The Régates de Valleyfield is much more than just a sporting event. Every year, this event brings our community together and attracts thousands of visitors from all over, showcasing our dynamism and know-how. The city is proud to host such a high-quality event year after year," said Miguel Lemieux, Mayor of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

For her part, MNA Claude DeBellefeuille was quick to describe the event as a tradition for Campivallensians. "For many families, it's a matter of course to take their annual vacation during the Valleyfield Regatta so they can attend together. It's a not-to-be-missed annual event. The event radiates beyond our region, and I notice this when I meet people for the first time and talk about Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. They immediately associate the place with the Régates.  It's a truly unique, unifying and mobilizing event, which couldn't take place without the contribution of dedicated volunteers."

A beautiful evolution over the decades 

Let's not forget that the first Régates de Valleyfield saw the light of day in 1938 on municipal territory. "Since then, the town has been vibrating to the sounds of this summer event. Last year, we attracted 145,000 visitors and generated economic spin-offs of over $5 million. A total of 315 volunteers are involved in our organization, and it's thanks to them that we're able to deliver such a high-quality event. The members of the organizing committee and the board of directors do an exceptional job. The Régates de Valleyfield are talked about far beyond the region's borders. It's a source of great pride for us, and a unique event in North America," said Didier-Bernard Séguin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Régates de Valleyfield.

For her part, the event's general manager, Émilie Daoust, confirmed the organizers' intention to honor those who have enabled the Régates de Valleyfield to become today's flagship event. "We want to ensure that people retain their sense of belonging to our event. We're proud of our classics, which is why we've gone back to a more vintage image for the 85th edition. We've gone back to the 50th anniversary logo, but incorporated the Robert-Théorêt circuit to bring it up to date a bit". 

In keeping with the idea of paying tribute to the Régates’ pioneers, an exhibition of photos and memorabilia will be held at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Yacht Club from June 28 to July 13 for interested enthusiasts. Admission will be free during this period, but afterwards, only Régates ticket holders will be able to visit during the weekend of festivities. 

"Our government is a major financial supporter of the Régates de Valleyfield, because it is one of the major sporting and cultural events held in Quebec, not to mention the economic spin-offs for the community. This 85th edition is an historic one, demonstrating the strength of the organization that has been working hard to make these competitions a must-see event for hydroplane racing and show enthusiasts. I salute and congratulate the current organization, which is carrying on the tradition of the Régates de Valleyfield, and I'm very proud to be associated with it," said Claude Reid, Member of Parliament for Beauharnois.

Hydroplane racing still on the schedule

Thrill-seekers will be delighted to learn that all hydroplane classes will be back on the Robert Théorêt circuit in 2025: Novice, Vintage, 2.5 Litres, F 2500, Jersey Speed Skiff (JSS), Hydro 350, Pro Hydro and the prestigious Grand Prix class. In addition, some fifteen boats are expected to take part in the Grand Prix Challenge, a competition organized by the Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) and the Grand Prix America (GPA). In all, some 110 teams will be competing for honors.

"With nearly 110 teams expected on the Circuit Robert Théorêt, spectators will be treated to some remarkably intense competition. It's this unique combination of motorboat sport and entertainment that has made our event so famous for 85 years now," says Didier-Bernard Séguin, Chairman of the Régates de Valleyfield Board of Directors.

As last year, fans who can't be there will be able to watch the races via live stream. In 2024, over 50,000 people did so for all the races presented at the six competition venues. 

This year, the 2025 Hydroplane Regatta League race calendar will also include six stops in Quebec, the United States and Ontario.

The season kicks off on May 17 and 18 in Cambridge, USA, before continuing in Sorel-Tracy on June 14 and 15. Teams will then head to Brockville, Ontario on June 28 and 29, before heading to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield on July 11, 12 and 13. Finally, the drivers will head to North Tonawanda, New York on August 2-3, before returning to Beauharnois for the final races of the season on August 23-24. 

Discounted tickets until March 17

Festival-goers have until March 17 to purchase discounted tickets via the online ticketing service. The Régates passport, which includes all three days of racing and access to evening shows, is available for $100, a $25 discount. For an additional $50, festival-goers can access the Prestige grandstands and pits, offering an incomparable experience for racing fans.

New this year: the Régates de Valleyfield have teamed up with the same ticketing supplier as the Festival d'été de Québec and the Grand Prix de Montréal.

A special offer is also available for the Régates de Beauharnois. With the purchase of tickets for the Régates de Valleyfield, it is possible to obtain the Régates et puits passport for Beauharnois at the reduced price of $55.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit regatesvalleyfield.com.