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 & Skills Series: Opportunities to build sailing skills, engage with the local sailing community, and learn about initiatives that foster growth, sustainability, and teamwork.
- 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.
2025 Schedule
Newly released schedule for 2025! All speakers 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!
Sailing Into Retirement
John Tutton – 8 Jan 2025
Embark on a journey of planning your dream retirement afloat. Learn practical tips on living aboard and exploring the Caribbean while maximizing comfort and financial sustainability.
Adventure Series
Preparation for the Clipper Round the World Race
Tony Malaty – 22 Jan 2025
Get an inside look at the rigorous preparation for the Clipper Race World Race – one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. Tony Malaty shares insights into safety, crew dynamics, and what it takes to prepare for this epic global adventure.
Adventure Series
Caring for the Ottawa River: Your Role in Protecting Our Waters
Speaker TBD – 29 Jan 2025
Discover actionable ways to safeguard the Ottawa River. This talk by Ottawa Riverkeeper highlights key environmental concerns and how we as community members can contribute to protecting this vital source of life today and for future generations and diverse species across the watershed.
Community & Skills Series
Warm Sailing Adventures
Ken and Sophie Fletcher – 5 Feb 2025
Dreaming of sailing in warm, sunny climates? Ken and Sophie Fletcher recount their experiences learning to cruise in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, sharing tips on certifications, planning, and navigating tropical waters.
Adventure Series
Destination Cruising Options – Next Steps
Panel: Tim Moses, John Lunn, Ruth Mack, Don McLaughlin & Tony Malaty – 12 Feb 2025
Join a lively panel discussion exploring the many ways of enjoying a sailing vacation in some of the world’s amazing cruising grounds. There are opportunities out there for the most adventurous and for those who prefer to take it one step at a time. Learn from those who have gone before you. Or share your own hard-earned wisdom.
Adventure Series
Youth Programs and Athletes at NSC
Mike Thompson and Youth Racers – 19 Feb 2025
Explore the success stories of NSC youth athletes and how they got there. Learn how your kids or grandkids can launch into the world of sailing with expert guidance and exciting opportunities.
Community & Skills Series
Golden Globe Race and Beyond
Guarav Shinde – 26 Feb 2025
Hear Guarav Shinde’s captivating account of participating in one of sailing’s most challenging events. Gain insights into the endurance, strategy, and inspiration behind this legendary race.
Adventure Series
Fiberglass Work: Restoring Decks and Hulls
Scott Murphy & Peter Lok – 5 Mar 2025
Dive into the art of fibreglass repair with a hands-on panel discussion. From deck restoration to deep hull repairs, learn the techniques to bring your boat back to its best condition.
Boat Maintenance Series
Diesel and Gas Engine Maintenance
Kevin Davis – 12 Mar 2025
Keep your boat running smoothly with expert advice on maintaining diesel and gas engines. This session covers practical maintenance tips and troubleshooting common problems.
Boat Maintenance Series
New Race Rules for 2025
Greg Dargavel – 26 Mar 2025
Stay ahead of the competition with an overview of the latest race rules. Greg Dargavel will provide an overview of key changes, share strategic insights, and lead an engaging Q&A to address your questions and spark lively discussions.
Community & Skills Series
Docking & Anchoring Essentials: Handling Your Boat Securely
Mike Roper – 2 Apr 2025
Join Sail Canada Intermediate Instructor Mike Roper for an engaging and practical session on two of the most essential—and often nerve-wracking—skills in boating: docking and anchoring. Learn how to handle your boat in various wind conditions, make the most of spring lines, and execute smooth docking and anchoring maneuvers with confidence. Perfect for new sailors and seasoned skippers alike.
Community & Skills Series
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.
Previous Years’ Program Schedules
The 2021 to 2024 presentations listed below were recorded and published on NSC’s YouTube channel.
Getting Women Involved in Sailing | 2024
Community – Focuses on how interclub activities can foster a more inclusive sailing community by encouraging women to participate and share their skills.
Kit Holmwood, Lisa Shishis View on YouTube
Family Fun on the Ottawa River: Tips and Best Practices for Overnighting with Kids | 2024
Skills – Practical advice and best practices for families planning overnight sailing trips on the Ottawa River.
Geoff Smith, Meghan Leroux View on YouTube
How to get into sailing – Three Perspectives; Three Approaches | 2024
Community – Different approaches and perspectives on how to start sailing, catering to various interests and backgrounds.
Andre Driedger, Geoff Delaunay, Christine McCartney, Floyd Pushelberg View on YouTube
Sailing the Great Lakes of Michigan, Superior & Huron | 2024
Adventures – Insights and experiences from sailing the Great Lakes, highlighting the unique challenges and beauty of these waters.
Luc Lafrance View on YouTube
Got Boat Wiring Problems? | 2024
Maintenance – Comprehensive guide on diagnosing and fixing common boat wiring issues to ensure safety and functionality.
Eric Fleury View on YouTube
Racing 101: How to get started and have fun! | 2024
Skills – Introduction to the basics of sailboat racing, including tips on how to get started and enjoy the sport.
Mike Roper View on YouTube
Grenada to Newfoundland, from Purchase to Landfall | 2024
Adventures – An adventurous account of sailing from Grenada to Newfoundland, covering the entire journey from purchase to landfall.
Peter Antonitti View on YouTube
Across the Atlantic: Sailing the ARC in 2023 | 2024
Adventures – Detailed experiences of participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), a transatlantic sailing event.
Michael Monette, Richard Monette, Nic Day View on YouTube
Buying a Boat: Expert Do’s and Don’ts | 2024
Maintenance – Essential tips on purchasing a boat, including common pitfalls and best practices from an expert.
Barry Lovett View on YouTube
Maximizing Sail Lifespan: Essential Care and Maintenance Tips | 2024
Maintenance – Advice on how to extend the life of your sails through proper care and maintenance.
David Meek View on YouTube
Boat Electrical Systems, Batteries and Solar Panels | 2023
Maintenance – Discussion on boat electrical systems, including batteries and solar panels.
Eric Fleury, ABYC Certified Marine Electrical Technician View on YouTube
Cruising Newfoundland, Labrador and Iceland | 2023
Adventures – Experiences and tips on cruising in Newfoundland, Labrador, and Iceland.
Brian LeGros View on YouTube
Heavy Weather Sailing | 2023
Skills – Strategies for sailing in heavy weather, including surviving winds in a thunderstorm.
Van Sheppard View on YouTube
Foiling/high speed racing | 2023
Skills – Development and pathways to athlete development in foiling and high-speed racing.
Rebecca Heller View on YouTube
Marine Insurance: What You Need to Know | 2023
Maintenance – Essential information on marine insurance for boat owners.
Michael Hewett (Skipper’s Plan) View on YouTube
Caring for the Ottawa River – How You Can Help | 2023
Community – Discussion on how to protect and care for the Ottawa River.
Ottawa Riverkeeper View on YouTube
Sailing the St Lawrence to Baie Comeau | 2023
Adventures – Journey and experiences of sailing from the St Lawrence to Baie Comeau.
Dan Godbout View on YouTube
Electrical Systems Continued | 2023
Maintenance – Continuation of the discussion on boat electrical systems.
Eric Fleury, ABYC Certified Marine Electrical Technician View on YouTube
The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons | 2023
Community – Overview of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons and their services.
Court Harkness View on YouTube
The NSC Harbour, Yard and Park | 2023
Maintenance – Information about the NSC harbour, yard, and park facilities.
Corey Glynn, NSC Harbourmaster View on YouTube
Getting out on the Water | 2023
Skills – Tips and information on how to get out on the water.
Dominic Goodwill, NSC Fleet Captain View on YouTube
Flotillas and Courses | 2023
Skills – Overview of flotillas and boating courses offered by Advantage Boating.
Advantage Boating View on YouTube
Life under the Sea – In a Submarine | 2022
Adventures – Commander (ret) Michael Washer shares insights on life under the sea in a submarine.
Cdr. (ret) Michael Washer View on YouTube
Flotilla Cruising – How to make Sailing the Med a Breeze | 2022
Adventures – Tony Wright provides tips on how to make flotilla cruising in the Mediterranean a breeze.
Tony Wright View on YouTube
One Design Delights and Racing Invites | 2022
Skills – Stephen Kidd, Mike Roper and others discuss the delights of one design racing and how to get involved.
Stephen Kidd, Mike Roper et al View on YouTube
Sailing Uphill – A Transatlantic Adventure | 2022
Adventures – Paul Pearl recounts his transatlantic sailing adventure.
Paul Pearl View on YouTube
Keeping Your Sails Young With Good Care and Maintenance | 2022
Maintenance – Vicky Hogan-Gow offers advice on keeping your sails in good condition through proper care and maintenance.
Vicky Hogan-Gow View on YouTube
Alone Together – Solo Sailing Skills and the “Solo 300” | 2022
– Dave Morralee shares solo sailing skills and experiences from the ‘Solo 300’ challenge.
Dave Morralee View on YouTube
Using the NSC Harbour facilities | 2022
Maintenance – Paul Wagner and James Pole explain how to make the most of NSC harbour facilities.
Paul Wagner and James Pole View on YouTube
Able Sail – Champions in NSC’s Fleet | 2022
Community – Michele Cimon highlights the achievements of Able Sail champions within NSC’s fleet.
Michele Cimon View on YouTube
Taking Care of your Diesel Engine | 2022
Maintenance – Kevin Davis discusses the essentials of taking care of a diesel engine.
Kevin Davis View on YouTube
Ottawa River Anchorages and How to Anchor | 2022
Skills – Cathy Duchesne and Rick Anderton cover the best anchorages on the Ottawa River and tips on how to anchor effectively.
Cathy Duchesne and Rick Anderton View on YouTube
Float Your Boat with Confidence – Preparing for Launch | 2022
Maintenance – Fraser Robidoux provides guidance on preparing your boat for launch.
Fraser Robidoux View on YouTube
Welcome to the 2022 Sailing Season | 2022
Community – Dominic Goodwill welcomes everyone to the 2022 sailing season with important information and updates.
Dominic Goodwill View on YouTube
Aftermath; Recovery after two hurricanes! | 2021
Adventures – Rod Riley discusses the aftermath and recovery process after experiencing two hurricanes.
Rod Riley View on YouTube
Cruising in the Eastern Caribbean | 2021
Adventures – David Meek shares his experiences of cruising in the Eastern Caribbean.
David Meek View on YouTube
Hobie 16 World Championships, held in Captiva Island FL | 2021
Skills – John Lunn talks about the Hobie 16 World Championships held in Captiva Island, Florida.
John Lunn View on YouTube
On the water in the Galapagos and on the Amazon | 2021
Adventures – Tony Wright explores sailing in the Galapagos and on the Amazon.
Tony Wright View on YouTube
Foils & Rudders | 2021
Maintenance – John Rae CCI discusses the advancements in foils and rudders.
John Rae CCI View on YouTube
How to get your pilot’s license – foiling catamarans based at NSC | 2021
Skills – Greg Johnson explains how to get your pilot’s license for foiling catamarans based at NSC.
Greg Johnson View on YouTube
Leaving Winter Behind – Discovering the Windward Islands | 2021
Adventures – Ron Schute and Doris Parolin from Advantage Boating talk about leaving winter behind and discovering the Windward Islands.
Ron Schute & Doris Parolin – Advantage Boating View on YouTube
From dream to reality. How “Bring on the Bay” became the largest open water swim in Eastern Canada | 2021
Community – Judy Piel, Richard Pessah, and Tony Wright explain how ‘Bring on the Bay’ became the largest open water swim in Eastern Canada.
Judy Piel, Richard Pessah & Tony Wright View on YouTube
Concussion in sailing – how to recognize it and what to do | 2021
Skills – Dr. Cathy Duchesne and Dominic Goodwill discuss concussion in sailing, how to recognize it, and what to do.
Dr. Cathy Duchesne & Dominic Goodwill View on YouTube
Taking the Plunge, Musings on the First Year of Live-aboard Life | 2021
Adventures – Ian Torrie shares his musings on the first year of living aboard a boat.
Ian Torrie View on YouTube
Racing and sailing programs and more | 2021
Skills – Mike Thompson, Fleet Director, talks about racing and sailing programs and more.
Mike Thompson, Fleet Director View on YouTube
Using harbour facilities and more | 2021
Maintenance – David Neasmith, Rear Commodore, discusses using harbour facilities and more.
David Neasmith, Rear Commodore View on YouTube
YouTube Collection
The Winter Speaker Series talks have been recorded and posted on YouTube in recent years. They will be recorded in 2025 as well and posted for viewing sometime later in the year.