Another Season Ends Under the Stars!
The Dark & Stormy Series wrapped up another fantastic October of sailing, laughter, and night lights on the Ottawa River. Now in its third year, this end-of-season favourite once again drew a loyal fleet of adventurous skippers and crews from NSC, BYC, and CVGR—sixteen boats and over sixty sailors in total! Not bad for late October, when most sane people are already winterizing their boats.
Each Thursday evening brought its own mix of shifting winds, glowing sunsets, and cozy cockpit banter as crews stretched the sailing season as far as possible. True to its name, the Dark & Stormy is all about embracing whatever the river decides to offer—sometimes a steady breeze and other times, pure mystery after dark.
Race 1 – October 2
The first race set the tone: a healthy turnout, warm spirits, and a touch of confusion (in true fall racing fashion). With Windscot volunteering as the rabbit, the fleet tackled a C–K3 course, 2½ laps to windward, in light winds, with summer-like temperatures. Navigation lights glowed as the sun slipped behind the horizon at 6:40 p.m., and by the time everyone crossed the line, the river was calm and sparkling with reflections.
Race 2 – October 9
The second Thursday brought slightly cooler air and Xel-Ha hopping into the rabbit role. The planned course was K3 to D, twice around, but the wind Gods turned off the taps just as Xel-Ha made her first attempt as rabbit. A decision to abandon was endorsed by all. Shortly thereafter, a nice breeze of 4-6 knots filled in and Xel-Ha proposed a course of K3 to D, once around, before the wind died. The fleet chased the daylight down to the minute, finishing under a deep autumn sky. The wind didn’t die, leaving many sailors wishing we’d sailed another lap. While there were no northern lights this year, the collection of jibs, mains and spinnakers beautifully against the twilight, made their way back to the docks in style.
Race 3 – October 16
By mid-October, true night racing was in full swing. Seasonal temperatures meant toques all around, and even long underwear for some. Blue Heron led the charge as rabbit, sending the fleet on a P–Q course, three laps, all marks to port. With navigation lights cutting through the dusk, this one felt like a proper “Dark & Stormy.” The cooler air didn’t deter crews—if anything, it made the food, drinks and laughter back at the galley even better.
Race 4 – October 23
For the grand finale, sailors faced a new challenge: the yellow race marks had been hauled out for the season. No problem! Our ever-resourceful volunteers brought out a yellow tetrahedron (some call them samosas) and set their own temporary marks. Windscot once again stepped up as rabbit, leading the fleet through a custom-made course from K3 to the makeshift windward mark, three times around. The ingenuity and good humour on display summed up exactly what this series is all about: community, creativity, and a shared love of sailing, no matter the temperature.
Gratitude & Looking Ahead
A big thank-you goes out to all the skippers and crews who braved the darkness and the chilling temperatures and made this such a memorable October on the water. Special thanks to the volunteers who handled communications, set marks, and kept safety top of mind; your behind-the-scenes work makes this whole series possible.
The Dark & Stormy has quickly become one of NSC’s most beloved traditions, a little bit rugged, a little bit magical, and 100% fun. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to race under the stars, mark your calendar now for next October. Bring your lights, your PFD, and your sense of adventure.
See you next year out there in the dark (and maybe a little more stormy) river glow.
Check out this Collection of photos from this year’s event.
For more, see the Dark & Stormy Series Overview and SIs and Results.
Patricia Wallinger
Tanzer 22, “Harmony”