Darryl Monette served as Commodore of Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association for over 10 years. He also was APBA Region 2 chairman for several years. He was totally dedicated to the sport of competitive boat racing for all of his adult life. Talented in all aspects of boat racing he was adept at boat building, engine building and maintenance and very skilled as a driver in several APBA inboard classes. He also worked on one of the Unlimited hydroplane teams for a while.
As a young man, he was familiar with the local boat racing community He attended all the local regattas held on the Niagara River. Soon, he acquired his first hydro; an 850 called Loose Lips and began a long career as owner-driver of hydroplanes in several classes. Darryl became skilled in all aspects of racing both with his own boats and additionally being involved in the promotion and production of highly successful races held on the Niagara River for many years. Other hulls he campaigned included One More Time, Summer Magic, Fantasy. His rise to superb success was rapid and highlighted by the outstanding accomplishments in 2006. That season Darryl drove Fantasy 711 in the National Modified to the Summer National, North American, Eastern Divisional, and MACH series Championship titles. He finished as National High Point Champion, earning the designation as US-1. He also was the Maryland Cup Champ and Virginia Triple crown champion. In 2008 he won the World Championship in Valleyfield PQ.
Darryl met his wife Luanne, the love of his life, at a Valleyfield race and they formed an inseparable team for twenty years. Together, they worked in all capacities of our racing world. Luanne continues to help with everything NFBRA does. In the past she worked with the family race boat, and currently serves on the Thunder committee. Furthermore, Luanne also helped the dive team with yearly capsule training. Once again with the Thunder on the Niagara race you can see her buzzing around the race site in a golf cart doing a multitude of tasks.
In later years, Darryl shifted his concentration to the local Niagara APBA Underwater Dive team and continued to serve in that capacity for many of the local races. He also volunteered his assistance with the APBA driver school boat program instructing students taking the class held at sites in the North East. Participating in the Vintage & Historic division, Darryl’s expertise made him a sterling certified inspector. He served in that capacity at several Buffalo Launch Club vintage events.
Darryl was one of the great people who distinguish themselves by always being willing to assist when needed. He was one of those rare people who gave back to the sport he loved.
By Bill DeGlopper, Region 2 , Vintage & Historic
(Bill authored this article for the APBA Propeller, Sept 2018 edition)
