Recruits and Fruits
Most SoloSail participants can recall the moment when they were approached and recruited by the pied piper, Dave Morallee, otherwise known as “Super Dave”. For most, this occurred at NSC’s equivalent of the town square: the service dock. For some, it was word of mouth. Dave has honed the skills of charity event planning and volunteer recruitment, channelling these efforts into a series of fundraising endeavours, culminating in the SoloSail 2024 (originally “Solo 300”) that has just concluded its fifth and final instalment.
Samara Rakhraj (CC staff), François Bernier
The SoloSail event over its 5-year course has raised $150,000 for Campfire Circle, an organization which provides a summer camp (and in-hospital bedside camp) experience for children and their families impacted by cancer.
THANK YOU to our families and especially to our many SoloSail donors! We have raised $11,657.76 to date. The donation portal remains open at this website.
Challenges
While to the casual observer, a week/weekend sail for charity sounds about as gruelling as a charity golf tournament, the adversity and challenges participants faced over five years have been anything but a walk down the back nine.
While ripped sails, stubborn anchors, hornet stings, taxing heavy wind conditions, rain storms and other storm cells presented challenges for our solo participants, they were but a speck of those the children and families face whom Campfire Circle lifts up.
Forging Connection
Combining the ancient art of sailing with modern technology, social media in particular have enabled SoloSail participants to keep friends and family apprised of their adventures and progress on the river. But above all else, they provided tools to achieve the event’s primary objective: to raise awareness of the unique work done by Campfire Circle.
Not only did the event forge new friendships among NSC members, but it also fostered a sense of community among the Ottawa River sailing community, notably Centre de Voile Grande Rivière (CVGR) aka Aylmer Yacht Club.
SoloSail Outlook
There is nothing more infectious than enthusiasm! This year’s final parade into the NSC harbour to the cheers of onlookers was bittersweet in that it would be the last instalment of the SoloSail, but there are ideas already flying in anticipation of where Dave will lead us next year!
Thank you!
Above all else, the event would not have happened without the flexibility and support of spouses, kids, Club administration and friends for their support, donations of funds and supplies. There’s nothing sweeter than fresh ice delivery from the Club on day 3 of a Solo Sail! THANK YOU to the Nepean Sailing Club, staff, management and Board of Directors!
Submitted by Geoff Smith and Meghan Leroux