Canadian Team Shatters Human-Powered Sub World Record

When Team Omer's submarine crossed the finish line at 7.682 knots, the Montreal engineering students erupted into disbelief and joy. They had just shattered a world record that had stood untouched since 2015.

The team from École de Technologie Supérieure designed and built "Omer 13," a sleek, single-person submarine that looks more like a torpedo than a vessel. Its 3D-printed hull and custom bike-like transmission system pushed it past competitors at the 18th International Submarine Races in Bethesda, Maryland.

"We didn't believe it. We went crazy," said team member Philippe L'Ecuyer. "We were just hoping to beat our previous records but didn't know if it was possible."

The submarine's secret lies in its precision engineering. A single-blade propeller automatically adjusts pitch based on how fast the pilot pedals, creating exceptional acceleration and control. The entire vessel was custom-fitted around pilot Hugo Breton's body to keep it streamlined while maintaining stability at high speeds.

For Breton, the win carried special meaning. He joined the team two years ago as a backup pilot, never imagining he would follow in his father's exact footsteps. Three decades earlier, his dad piloted an earlier Omer submarine to victory at the same competition.

"It's amazing. I can't wait to tell him I beat the world record," Breton said. "He never pushed me to do this. It just happened, and I followed the same path."

The path to victory wasn't smooth. The team started designing after the 2023 races and began construction by Christmas 2024. With limited access to proper testing facilities, they resorted to using a public pool for trials.

"It was all hands on deck," said team member Thierry Salvas. "We pulled all-nighters to finish the build before shipping it out."

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the trophy, Team Omer's approach offers lessons for aspiring engineers everywhere. The group of recent graduates combined skills in machining, electrical engineering, and underwater diving to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Their advice to future teams? Build friendships first. "We are all friends and have done this before, so we know how to approach things," L'Ecuyer explained.

The team also embodies the competition's collaborative spirit. Despite racing against other universities, they freely share knowledge and help competitors when possible. "Not every team has the same tools or budget, so when we can help, we do," Salvas said.

The International Submarine Races serve as training grounds for future naval engineers, giving students hands-on experience solving real engineering challenges. Team Omer swept the awards, also taking home prizes for overall performance, absolute speed, and best spirit.

For L'Ecuyer, who graduated just a week before the race, breaking the world record became his legacy to the team and proof that passion plus collaboration can push boundaries once thought impossible.