The regatta takes place at the Nepean Sailing Club (NSC) on the Ottawa River where it widens and is known as Lac Deschênes. The Nepean Sailing Club is located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa river in an area approximately 10 kilometers west of Ottawa’s downtown core. This part of the Ottawa River is a little over 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide.
Here is an overview chart of the racing area. More detailed navigation information is available on NSC’s Charts page.
On-land Facilities
A map of the clubhouse area is shown here.
Launching
NSC has best-in-class launch facilities for sailboats. Here is the NSC yard map. There are no fees for launching, as you are part of an NSC event.
For dinghies, NSC features 2 paved launch ramps, each with a T-dock that can accommodate multiple boats at a time. The West dinghy ramp has a less steep slope.
For keelboats, we have 2 launch cranes each with a masting crane. These can be used only by NSC members who are familiar with their use, or by NSC-approved commercial service providers. NSC volunteers will operate the cranes on behalf of visiting boats.
Support vessels should launch at the public ramp on the West side of the NSC harbour. There is no fee as you are part of an NSC event.
Parking
Ample on-site parking is available in the public parking lot just outside the NSC clubhouse grounds and yard. Parking areas are shown in the NSC parking guidelines.
Do NOT park along any grass verge in the public parking lot. This lot belongs to the City of Ottawa and they are likely to ticket your vehicle.
We may have on-site overflow parking available. Ask at the regatta information table in the clubhouse for a dashboard pass, to use this area.
Visiting trailers can usually be parked on-site. However, trailer parking may be outside NSC’s gated area, so bring a trailer lock.
The NSC yard is a busy place all summer. You are strongly encouraged to park outside the yard after dropping off your equipment/boat.
Parking in front of Trailer Launched boats in the NSC yard (indicated by signage) is strictly prohibited.
Access Cards
Security access cards are available for visiting boats at the regatta. The card works 24/7 on the yard access gates, the West Lawn pedestrian gate, and main dock date. The card also provides after-hours access to the washrooms in the main clubhouse, accessed from the waterfront outside. Cards will be automatically disabled after the event.
Cards cost us money which we would rather spend on the regatta, so please return your card to a regatta organizer before you leave.
Repair Facilities & Chandlery
There is a NSC club workshop in the yard with some tools and machining equipment for minor repairs. The local marine chandlery, The Chandlery is a short 10 minute drive away for last minute parts and supplies.