2025 C&C 27 Fleet Builder Report
The Ottawa C&C 27 Fleet came together once again for our second annual Fleet Builder & Mixer on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Nepean Sailing Club. Building on the success of the previous year, the day brought together more than 50 enthusiastic sailors and ten C&C 27’s from Nepean and Britannia Yacht Club.
A Unique Format
One of the Fleet Builder’s hallmarks is its completely randomized crew assignment. Skippers welcome sailors from across the fleet onto boats they’ve never sailed before, creating new teams on unfamiliar decks. Crews work together on everything from trimming sails to hoisting and dousing spinnakers, making it a lively, collaborative challenge and an opportunity to learn from each other. The first task facing the new teams was getting ten C&C 27’s off F dock. (Thank you to NSC General Manager, Scott Hayley for allowing us the space!)
Perfect Conditions & Great Racing
The Ottawa River delivered mild winds and late-summer sunshine, setting the stage for a fun and competitive afternoon. Thanks to a well-run program by our Race Committee Luke Sheppard and Chris Kuchciak we were able to run two races, offering plenty of on-the-water camaraderie.
A huge thank-you to all skippers, crew, and volunteers who made the day a success. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the water for another great season in 2026!
Renée Young
C&C 27 Head Cheerleader
First Time Participant Viewpoint
Who better to provide feedback than a new member and first-time participant in the C&C 27 Fleet Builder?
What an incredible day it was! Over 50 sailors interclub and beyond joined with open hearts, curious minds, and a generous spirit that defined the entire experience. From many walks of life, and across a growing age range (bring on the youth – the future is bright!), we set sail together.
After a fulfilling day on the water, we returned to shore carrying more than just new tricks and techniques – we came back with new friendships, shared stories, and a deeper connection to the sport we love. The weather was kind to us: gentle but workable wind, sunshine on our faces, and a safe, beautiful day on the river. In every way, it felt like a gift.
Looking back, it’s hard not to feel lucky. We had the privilege of sailing on beautiful boats, absorbing the wisdom of seasoned sailors, some with decades of experience. We mingled with the strategists, technicians, risk-takers, and the chess players of sailing. Many of us were given the opportunity to hear from the ”whisperers of sailing” , who can see the unseeable and predict a shift before it happens.
As crew, our gratitude is immense. Each boat offers its own lessons in the big details and the small. Events like this give us the space to grow, improve, and thrive in this incredible sport. I feel fortunate to be welcomed aboard these stunning boats not just for this event, but week after week throughout the racing season. The generosity of the skippers and boat owners is unlike anything seen in other sports. Most Ferrari owners (or horse owners, in my world!) don’t typically offer a free ride let alone coaching and mentorship. At best, you might get to pat the horse or polish the car. But in sailing? You’re invited to participate. To learn. To contribute. Sometimes even to share in the snack duty (there’s a rule about that somewhere, right?! Snacks and bubbles are a must!). Getting on more boats expands our knowledge – we observe new rigging techniques, learn various crewing roles, and see different team dynamics in action. I had the honor of sailing on the Fleet Captain’s boat, and I approached it with a grade-school philosophy: two eyes, two ears, one mouth. Watch closely. Listen twice as much as you speak.
Now, floating gently back into the week, one feeling remains: gratitude. Without the generosity of experienced skippers, mentoring crew, and our incredible boat owners, many of us would never have access to this sport. To every boat we’ve ever been on, and boats that arrive to race against, week after week – thank you. We are deeply, joyfully lucky.
– Misha Wylie
