Program Overview
The Winter Speaker Series keeps you connected with the sailing and boating community during winter months while you immerse yourself in fascinating talks. About half of the participants are from the Nepean Sailing Club with the other half from other clubs in the area. Our volunteer – and sometimes professional – presenters share their expertise, providing new insights into their topic.
Each week, we bring you a 30-45 minute talk with interaction covering four main areas:
- Adventure Series: Inspires and educates with captivating stories and practical advice on bold sailing adventures and exploring diverse destinations around the world.
- Community Series: Opportunities to build sailing skills, engage with the local sailing community, and learn about initiatives that foster growth, sustainability, and teamwork.
- Skills Series: Build your sailing skills whether you are just starting or a regular racer learn something new from our fellow boaters.
- Boat Maintenance Series: Focuses on essential skills and techniques to maintain and repair your boat, ensuring it’s in optimal condition for safe and enjoyable sailing.
2026 Presentations
The Winter Speakers Series occur on Wednesdays at 7pm and finish around 8:30.
The Galley is open. Come early, enjoy a meal and a beverage from the Galley before gathering in the hall. New members welcome and this year the organizers will be adding something a little special to the beginning of each session to help you connect with other members of the club!
NorthStar SailGP – Strategist Annie Haeger speaks at Winter Speaker Series
Wed Jan 28, 2026, 7pm Skills Series
Join us for an evening with Vancouver local Annie Haeger, a professional athlete who has reached the pinnacle of international sailing. While we are still finalizing the specific details of her presentation, Annie is expected to share insights from her decorated career that will resonate with young aspiring athletes, experienced racers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Potential topics for the evening may include:
- Transferable Skills for Local Sailors: Annie may explore the fundamental principles she maintains across all boat classes—from Optimists to high-performance foilers—providing practical advice that local racers can apply to their own tactical sessions.
- Elite Racing Dynamics: A look into the high-stakes world of SailGP, where Annie could discuss the intense communication and teamwork required in her roles as Strategist on the F50.
- A Journey of Resilience: Her talk could feature the “trials and tribulations” of her path to the top, including her seven national championships at Boston College, her experience at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and her eventual return to professional sailing through the Women’s Pathway program.
Speaker Annie Haeger:
Annie Haeger is the Strategist for the NorthStar SailGP Team and has completed two full seasons with the team. Annie started sailing in Optimists when she was five.
She went on to graduate from Boston College, where she was named ICSA Women’s College Sailor of the Year in 2011 and was also named US Sailor of the Year in 2015 and competed at the 2016 Olympics in the 470 Class. Annie is a six time national champion, passionate outdoor athlete (skiing, mountain biking and wing foiling) and entrepreneur.
How to Build a Stronger Fleet: Ideas, Stories & Strategies
Wed Feb 4, 2026, 7 pm – Community Series
Sailors from across the club share their firsthand experiences growing fleets of their own. Each panelist brings a unique path and perspective, offering practical insights, lessons learned, and inspiration for anyone interested in strengthening participation within our sailing community.
Jeff Jorgenson, Martin Rutter, Renee Young and others
Ottawa Fire & Rescue Team ( tentative )
Wed Feb 11, 2026, 7 pm
Stay tuned … this slot is still to be determined but we’re hoping 🤞 the Ottawa Fire and Rescue Team will save us!
Across the Atlantic: Inside One Crew’s ARC Adventure
Wed Feb 18, 2026, 7 pm – Adventure Series
Join us for a photo-rich journey from Canada to Gran Canaria to the warm shores of Rodney Bay. Our speaker walks you through ARC preparation, inspections, departure day nerves, and the emotional highs and lows of the crossing itself.
Get an intimate look at what it truly takes to join the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers—and why the arrival feels unforgettable.
Richard Pessiah & Ian Torrie
Our Sailing Journeys: Five Different Paths, One Boat
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 7 pm – Community Series
These spirited members talk about their sailing journeys and how they came to be one of the dynamic keelboat group on the water.
This round table will be one you shouldn’t miss.
Annaliese Emma, Marlies King, Mi Sha, Sheena Stewart, and Zhanna Orazgalieva
The River Beneath Our Keel: What Every Sailor Should Know About the Ottawa River
Wed Mar 4, 2026, 7 pm – Community Series
What’s really happening in the water we sail on?
Ottawa Riverkeeper will take us beneath the surface of the Ottawa River and share what they have learned through an extensive network of more than 125 community scientists, hands-on water sampling, and analysis of provincial and federal data.
This talk highlights key findings about river health, the actions taken as a result, and why community-based monitoring matters. It is also a chance to celebrate what makes the Ottawa River special, including its vital habitats and remarkable biodiversity, and why it is worth protecting.
Larissa Holman
River Life at NSC: Exploring Our Races, Anchorages, and Social Traditions
Wed Mar 11, 2026, 7 pm – Community Series
Discover the full spectrum of Ottawa River fun for both boat-owners and non-boat owners: upriver races, interclub long-distance events, overnight anchorages, and classic club traditions.
Hear stories, tips, and favourite memories that showcase why our river is one of the best places to sail.
Geoff Smith, Tim Moses & Ross Ernst
Why Sails Fail: And What You Can Do to Prevent It
Wed Mar 25, 2026, 7 pm – Boat Maintenance Series
A practical look at the everyday habits and simple checks that help sailors extend the life and performance of their sails. We will cover smart care routines, storage tips, and the early signs of wear to watch for.
David Meek
Book these in your calendar today!
If you use iCal or Google calendar you an integrate these into your own calendar, just follow these instructions for the NSC PR calendar. These talks are also listed on the NSC Events page.
Past 2026 Talks
Electrical Systems—What’s New, What Matters, and What Works
Wed, Jan 7, 2026, 7 pm – Boat Maintenance Series
A broad look at modern electrical options for boats, balancing new technologies with tried-and-true practices. Eric focuses on what really helps sailors and what to avoid.
Eric Fleury
From Novice Crew to Ocean Racer: the Race of a Lifetime
Wed, Jan 14, 2026, 7 pm – Adventure Series
Tony recently completed the first leg of the Clipper Round the World Race. He crewed on a 70-foot racing yacht from Portsmouth, UK to Puerto Sherry, Spain and onward to Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Tony’s boat won the leg convincingly by sailing over 7,600 nautical miles in just over 36 days at sea. Come to hear about this epic race between 10 identical yachts: the sailing, the crew, life below deck and some of the magical moments on the Atlantic. The NSC is being well represented in this year’s race with 2 other Club members joining the race on subsequent legs in 2026.
Tony Malaty
Kiteboarding for Everyone: A Beginner-Friendly Introduction
Wed Jan 21, 2026, 7 pm – Skills Series
An accessible overview of kiteboarding designed for all ages and fitness levels. We will look at what makes the sport technical rather than physical, why it’s safe and achievable for beginners, and how families can enjoy the sport together. The session will also touch on the progression from first lessons to more advanced skills, and how new riders can get started without breaking the bank.
Stanley Bocher
Previous Years’ Programs
The Winter Speaker Series talks have been recorded and posted on YouTube in recent years and also be viewed by clicking on each year below.
