BEAUHARNOIS | Speed and adrenaline take over for two racing-loving brothers whose uncle died at the Régates de Valleyfield in 1991. Since then, the discipline has become much safer, they say.
“We’re aware of the risk, but that’s not stopping us from getting in and racing,” says Samuel Tremblay.
He and his brother Michaël were not yet born when their mother’s brother, Johanne, died aboard a seaplane during a premier class Grand Prix event. But they grew up on the exploits of Daniel Brossoit.
“Our mother is supportive and happy for us,” says Samuel, 26. We’ve had accidents before, we’ve freaked out before, and she gets stressed when you can’t get off the boat fast enough. She knows the boats are strong enough that we should be right in the event of a crash.
“Back then there was no protection, no air bottle or mask [à l’intérieur de la cabine, qui permettent aujourd’hui aux pilotes de rester plus de 10 minutes sous l’eau]. The guys weren’t even connected. When the boat rose, they were thrown out with a parachute,” explains 27-year-old Michaël.
Samuel Tremblay will be joined by his brother Michaël, who will be co-piloting the Régates de Valleyfield this weekend. Photo MARTIN ALARIE, LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
The example Formula 1
Like many other motor sports, boat racing has evolved and drivers are better protected. As in Formula 1, Samuel, Michaël and their colleagues can count on the HANS system, a head and neck support.
“Even the speed skiff jerseys [qui ressemblent à de grandes chaloupes pouvant aller à 130 km/h] had no front cage, no belt, says Michael. You were behind the wheel! The boys were crazy!”
“They say we’re brave, but in the end…” begins Samuel.
“…We are not up to it!” adds his older one.
Samuel Tremblay’s Jersey Speed skiff is ready for the Régates de Valleyfield. Photo MARTIN ALARIE, LE JOURNAL DE MONTREAL
Not like NASA, but almost!
In addition, pilots must pass annual medical tests to participate. Eye examinations and the simulation of an accident in the indoor swimming pool are on the program every two years.
The drivers sit in a capsule with their equipment, including helmet and safety belt, as in their cockpit, and are thrown into the water.
“We have to get out quickly. It’s a bit stressful, but you have to stay calm,” says Michaël, smiling at the thought that it can feel like a test for NASA astronomers.
A breathalyzer
And regatta participants cannot celebrate like other citizens. This is also a security issue.
“It’s the little flat side,” Michael admits. It’s a big party, a big show, but as drivers we have to take it easy. We can’t be there the morning after because we blow the balloon every morning and that would be too dangerous. It’s zero tolerance.”
Mechanical problems can also mean that the pilots, who are often also the mechanics, have to spend hours in the garage.
“Last year I couldn’t enjoy the event because I had problems. I had to spend the evening fixing the boat,” says Samuel.
The forklift technician is hoping for a little better luck this weekend in Baie Saint-François.
BEAUHARNOIS | As well as the death of an uncle at the Régates de Valleyfield, Samuel Tremblay was also unlucky to lose his godfather, Denis Côté, a week before his first race aboard his JS-48.
“He had previously been co-pilot on a boat of this type. He wanted to relive that passion and we set out to get one in New Jersey. We repaired it, reassembled it and prepared it for the races. But he died in 2018, just before the first test. He couldn’t live his dream. “All he could hear was the trailer engine running and he cried,” says Samuel, touched.
The latter therefore did not hesitate to follow his godfather’s dream and to christen his boat Denis’ Dream in his honor.
In a duet
Samuel will therefore work alongside his brother Michaël, who will be his co-driver, in the Jersey Speed Skiff class, starting Friday during the Régates de Valleyfield. They were finished a few days before the start of the event and only had to reinstall the engine.
“We’ve known the route since 2011. We also know how great the pressure is to run in front of family and friends,” emphasizes Samuel.
In fact, the Tremblay-Brossoit family is well known in the region. Samuel and Michael form the third generation of pilots in the clan. They grew up racing boats and developed their competitive spirit and mechanical skills in karting.
Brothers Samuel and Michaël Tremblay will also be on seaplane duty this weekend. Photo MARTIN ALARIE, THE MONTREAL JOURNAL
“You fly on the water”
The two brothers will also each pilot a seaplane: Samuel in the F 2500 class for the Beaudoin Racing team in Sorel-Tracy and Michaël at the helm of an American Hydro 350 boat.
“I prefer the seaplane, it goes faster and moves less,” says Michaël without hesitation, who has been competing on water since he was 15 years old. […] My reward is to be in the boat and experience the adrenaline.”
“The feeling isn’t the same,” adds Samuel. With the seaplane you fly over the water and feel the cousin of the air. Not much speaks against that!”
Samuel and Michaël Tremblay are enthusiastic boat racers. Photo MARTIN ALARIE, THE MONTREAL JOURNAL
Most Improved
The electromechanic also laughs when he is reminded that he was named the pilot with the most improvements last year.
“It looks like I wasn’t good before!” he laughs.
“We’re having a very good season, it was our first full season [en raison de la pandémie], he continues more seriously. We finished second in the championship. Unlike other years, we didn’t get to the final through the back door, through consolation.
Michaël’s goal, currently second overall after two races, is therefore to win at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield this weekend.
“For my part, I want to reach the final,” says Samuel. There is always a learning curve with a new boat.”