Derek Anderson set to make his Pro-Hydro debut in 2026!

The 2026 season will mark an exciting new chapter for Derek Anderson, who will make his debut in the Pro-Hydro class at the helmof one of Guy Durand’s two boats. Derek will be driving the hull that Guillaume Charette piloted last season, while Guillaume will take the wheel of a brand-new machine.

Since the end of the season in Beauharnois, the team has been working tirelessly to ensure the boat is readyfor the upcoming year. For Derek, this represents a thrilling new challenge after more than 30 years of racing experience.

“I’ve driven just about everything over the years, and this new challenge reallyexcites me. We have a great team and great people,” he said.

A strong bond has formedbetween Derek and Guillaume, who first met in 2016. Since then, they have worked closely together, sharing not only their passion for racing but also a deep sense of teamwork.

“We clicked right away. It’s not always easy to find that kind of chemistry,” Derek added.

For the 2026 season, Guillaume Charette will pilot the V-77 Essence I, while Derek Anderson will take command of the V-76 Essence II. The number 76 holds special meaning, it represents both Derek’s birth year and serves as a tribute to Roland Charette, uncle of Denys Charette, who made his mark driving the J-76. The boat was, in fact, the very first Grand Prix hydroplane built in Quebec in 1976, at the Ste-Marie workshops in Châteauguay. A fitting tribute to that era and to the pioneers of the sport.

It’s worth noting that Guillaume’s father, Denys Charette, also raced in the 7-Litre class for nearly a decade, continuing a proud family legacy.

The organization wishes Derek, Guillaume, and the entire team the very best as they embark on this exciting new adventure!