On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, about 40 of us escaped winter (at least mentally) and gathered in the NSC Galley for another instalment of the Winter Speaker Series.
Led by Fleet Captain Mike Roper, the evening took the form of a Fleet Building Round Table, a practical open discussion about something most of us care about deeply, whether we race weekly on competitive boats, are only just getting into racing, or not sure how to start racing:
How do we build bigger, stronger, more active racing fleets at NSC?
Fleets Are About People (The Boats Are Secondary)
One of the strongest themes of the night came out early and was echoed often: a fleet is not just a collection of similar boats lining up on a start line.
A good fleet is really a community of like-minded racers, people who enjoy sailing together, learning from each other, and spending time both on and off the water. When that community is healthy, participation grows almost naturally. New sailors feel welcome, existing sailors stay engaged, and racing becomes more fun for everyone.
A Panel with Experience
To get the discussion going, Mike invited a small panel of fleet leaders who have been “in the trenches” building and sustaining fleets at NSC:
- Martin Rutter, J-80 One Design
- Leo Evans, Dinghy Fleet
- Renée Young, C&C 27 One Design
- Jeff Jorgenson, J-24 One Design
What was refreshing is that none of this was theoretical.
These folks have tried things that worked, tried things that didn’t, and were very open about both. They also put themselves forward as champions, people willing to help others who want to put energy into growing a fleet of their own.
If you’ve ever thought “I wish our fleet was a bit bigger” or “I wouldn’t even know where to start”, this was an encouraging room to be in.
The Fleet Builder’s Toolbox
The round-table format worked well and generated a long list of practical, very doable ideas. A few themes stood out.
1. Create Social Anchors
This came up again and again: don’t rely on racing alone to build bonds.
- Spring and Fall BBQs
A simple BBQ at the start or end of the season, at the club or even someone’s backyard, gives people a reason to show up even if they missed a race or two. - Make the Galley the Default
Pick a time and make it intentional. “We meet in the Galley after racing” sounds simple, but habits matter. That’s where stories get told, rivalries soften, and new crew start to feel like part of something.
2. Boost Visibility and the “Vibe”
People are drawn to energy. If a fleet looks active and fun, others will want in.
- Raft-Ups and On-the-Water Socials
Even small ones count. Take photos. Share them. A picture of three boats rafted together on a nice day can do more recruitment than a dozen emails - Use Social Media (Lightly, but Consistently)
Posting to Facebook groups like Ottawa Sailing Community, Britannia Yacht Club, or NSC Community channels helps spread the word beyond our docks. The goal isn’t marketing polish, it’s showing that something fun is happening. - Collaborate with Neighbouring Clubs
There’s no reason to keep fleets siloed. Social or joint events with Britannia, Alymer, or others help create a broader regional sailing “ecosystem”, and more people sailing is good for everyone.
3. Share Knowledge (and Sometimes Boats)
Another strong takeaway: fleets grow faster when people aren’t guarding secrets.
- Tuning Days
Open the hatches, compare setups, talk honestly about what works and what doesn’t. When everyone gets faster, the racing gets better, and closer racing keeps people coming back. - Boat-Sharing Days
The C&C 27 fleet has had success rotating sailors through different boats. It builds skills, empathy, and appreciation for what other owners are dealing with. - Don’t Let Boats Leave the Club
A particularly interesting idea: some fleets have temporarily held or collectively purchased boats to keep them local until a new owner could be found. It’s not for every fleet, but it shows how creative people can be when they care about keeping numbers up.
Use the Network We Already Have
The evening wrapped up with a reminder that NSC has a deep bench of experience. There are decades of racing knowledge, organizational skill, and plain old enthusiasm sitting around our bar stools and picnic tables.
If you’re thinking about growing a fleet, or even just nudging one along, you don’t have to do it alone. Discuss your ideas for growth with the Fleet Captain, who can put you in touch with the champions who’ve been there before and are happy to share what they’ve learned.
In short: strong fleets don’t happen by accident. They happen because a few people care enough to create momentum, and then invite others along for the ride.