17th annual hydroplane race in Brockville, Ont. faces wind delay

Hydroplane boats racing on the St. Lawrence River in Brockville, Ont. June 28, 2025. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa).

The 1000 Islands Regatta is taking place in Brockville, Ont. this weekend, marking the 17th annual hydroplane race on the St. Lawrence River.

Described as Formula 1 racing on the water, teams travel from all over North America to each location.

But the reality of a sport like hydroplane racing is that conditions need to be favourable, and strong winds Saturday in the city of 1000 islands have forced a delay in the festivities.

New York State resident Beaver Kovach travels with the hydroplane racing circuit all over the continent to over a dozen locations.

He tells CTV News Ottawa that Brockville is one of the best places on the schedule every year.

“This is a real nice place to race. This is one of the nicest places on the circuit. As long as the weather would, stay with us,” explains Kovach.

According to Kovach, some of the boats are able to go over 250 km/h in the right conditions.

The boats race right along the shore of Blockhouse Island, providing an unprecedented view of the race every year. It’s why Brockville residents like Mike Warren always have the 1000 Islands Regatta circled on the calendar.

“It’s quite an event. These boats are fast,” says Warren. “Because you’re right on the corner, you can really see when they’re going across the waves and they’re just teeter-tottering and on the waves itself, it’s just amazing. Just absolutely amazing.”

Weather permitting, the races will continue Sunday.

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