Training for NSC boaters, racers and volunteers

Starting Line Tanzers Race

Race tactics and tricks of the trade are not all closely guarded secrets. In fact, the Fleet Training program is all about sharing knowledge and helping racers and volunteers strengthen their skills. By doing so, the Fleet Committee built on the quality of the largest sailboat race program in North America.

Learn how to Run a Regatta, layout Race Marks, get expert advice on Sail Trim, practice and improve Racing Skills on the Water, and drive an NSC powerboat safely.

Skills Training for Racers

Virtual Racing Practice

  • Online racing training, using Virtual Regatta Inshore and video/audio chat. Live coaching.
  • Free
  • Participants: Any NSC club member or guest
  • 1930–2030 hours
  • Register: Virtual Racing Practice

Emergency First Aid

  • NSC is pleased to host a one-day course, “Emergency First Aid with CPR C & AED Certification”,.
  • Taught by a City of Ottawa paramedic.
  • NSC Harbourview Hall.
  • 0900-1700.
  • Participants: Primarily intended for NSC members.
  • Details and registration in this NSC blog post.

North U Sail Trim Seminar

  • If you are looking to improve your sail trim and sail faster then the American Sailing Performance Racing Seminars powered by North U are for you. Taking place all across North America, these in-person seminars involve a full day of classroom-based instruction.
  • The interactive presentations are taught by Geoff Moore, experienced North U sailing coach.
  • Participants: Open to the public
  • 9am – 4pm. Check in at 8:30. Harbourview Hall NSC
  • 30% Off Early Bird Special – Expires March 8
  • Registration and Payment
  • Risk-free registration – North offers a FULL refund if you cancel up to 14 days before the event.

Keelboat Race Practice

  • These three Friday evening practice sessions are FREE and open to novice and experienced keelboat racers alike. They provide an opportunity to practice starts and sailing on a short upwind / downwind course, early in the season and without the competition of an actual race.
  • Each session starts with a briefing and review of the Sailing Instructions which will be held in the NSC Sailing Room at 1730.
  • The race practice course will be set up on Alpha course between NSC and BYC, with the aim of having at least 5 starts and laps of the course. Coaching will be provided to novice racers from a coach boat.
  • Boats may participate in any sessions or all three.
  • Registration details to follow in April.
  • Contact the NSC  Race Practice Coordinator Mike Roper for further information

Dinghy Race Practice

  • These three Friday evening practice sessions are FREE and open to novice and experienced dinghy racers alike. They provide an opportunity to practice starts and sailing on a short upwind / downwind course, early in the season and without the competition of an actual race.
  • Each session starts with a briefing and review of the Sailing Instructions which will be held in the NSC Sailing Training Center at 1730.
  • The race practice course will be set up on Alpha course between NSC and BYC, with the aim of having at least 5 starts and laps of the course. Coaching will be provided to novice racers from a coach boat.
  • Boats may participate in any sessions or all three.
  • Registration details to follow in May.
  • Contact leonoreevans1@gmail.com for more information.

Dinghy Skills Development

  • These skills improvement clinics for dinghy sailors will be led by a professional instructor
  • The focus will be on skill development and racing basics and will include both on-land and on-water elements.
  • Two separate, 4-week courses will be held:
    – July 5 to July 26
    – August 10 to August 31.
  • The program is open to dinghy sailors who have passed CanSail 2 and will be held at NSC’s Sail Training Centre.
  • There will be a nominal cost for this program. Registration information will be posted by May.

Dinghy Skills Development

  • These skills improvement clinics for dinghy sailors will be led by a professional instructor
  • The focus will be on skill development and racing basics and will include both on-land and on-water elements.
  • Two separate, 4-week courses will be held:
    – July 5 + 12 + 19 + 26
    – August 9 + 16 + 23 + 30.
  • The program is open to dinghy sailors who have passed CanSail 2 or have equivalent experience. and will be held at NSC’s Sail Training Centre.
  • All participants must be NSC members.
  • There will be a nominal cost for this program. Registration information will be posted by May 2023.

Women in Wind

  • Held in odd-numbered years.
  • Organized by the Ottawa River Women’s Interclub Fleet Committee, this day of workshops and presentations aims to provide an environment where women who are experienced racers, cruisers and new members alike can improve their sailing skills.
  • The agenda includes presentations, discussions and hands-on workshops, and offers women an opportunity to learn or refine their sailing skills, to network with other sailors, and to build the confidence to become a valuable crew member or knowledgeable helmswoman.
  • Hosted by BYC.
  • Registration details to be announced.

Skills Training for Volunteers

NSC Regatta Organizers Workshop

  • Ever wonder how to host or run a regatta from start to finish? Well, look no further. Join host Scott Murphy, with assistance from the Fleet Captain.
  • Regatta chairs and their teams are expected to attend.
  • This interactive discussion and presentation will cover the following topics: Organizing your Team, NoR and SI, Marketing/Communications, Budget, Food, Regalia, Prizes, Registration, Timeline plus many more topics.
  • 9am to noon, Harbourview Hall
  • Free.

Club Judge Course

  • In person at NSC.
  • In conjunction with Ontario Sailing, NSC is offering a Club Judge seminar. If you race, this seminar will add to your skills and knowledge. If you want to become a certified judge, this is the starting point. If you are a certified judge and wish to recertify, this is a refresher.
    This full-day course is open to any member of a club affiliated with Sail Canada, so please invite your crew/friends from other clubs to join in.
  • Judge Seminar Content and Format: 
    Judge seminars are provided through the Sail Canada Judges Program, and are led by certified International Judges and Senior National Judges from Ontario. (NSC’s Greg Dargavel in this case.) They are based on principles of adult education with mini lectures and group activities to involve the learners in the application of the theory and practice of judging.
  • Units of study include:
    Planning the hearing, conducting hearings; Writing facts and Conclusions; Requests for Redress; Tricky situations that arise at regattas; Details of the Sail Canada Judges program; insurance and participation.
  • Register at Ontario Sailing
  • NSC members get a full rebate of fees and training materials.
  • If you have questions, please send an email.

Ontario Sailing Assistant Race Officer Course

  • A pair of courses hosted at NSC, taught by Ontario Sailing. In person. Attend one or both.
  • Saturday – Assistant Race Officer (entry level). An Assistant Race Officer helps to run races as a member of the Race Committee.
  • Sunday – Club Race Officer (next level up). A Club Race Officer manages the on the water activities of regattas at the club level.
  • Register at Ontario Sailing
  • NSC members and staff get a full rebate of fees and training materials.
  • Participants: Volunteers and interested racers from any club. Optional certification is available by adding on-water experience.
  • Contact Debbie Reinhart rcs-r-us@nsc.ca for more information.

Ontario Sailing Club Race Officer Course

  • A pair of courses hosted at NSC, taught by Ontario Sailing. In person. Attend one or both.
  • Saturday – Assistant Race Officer (entry level). An Assistant Race Officer helps to run races as a member of the Race Committee.
  • Sunday – Club Race Officer (next level up). A Club Race Officer manages the on the water activities of regattas at the club level.
  • Register at Ontario Sailing
  • NSC members and staff get a full rebate of fees and training materials.
  • Participants: Volunteers and interested racers from any club. Optional certification is available by adding on-water experience.
  • Contact Debbie Reinhart rcs-r-us@nsc.ca for more information.

Ontario Sailing Mark Laying Course

  • A two-day course hosted at NSC, taught by Ontario Sailing. In person. Day two includes on-water practice.
  • A mark layer goes in the markset boat, and sets the marks on a race course.
  • Register at Ontario Sailing
  • NSC members and staff get a full rebate of fees and training materials.
  • Participants: Volunteers and interested racers from any club. NSC and BYC race bosuns are strongly encouraged to attend as part of their job. Optional certification is available by adding on-water experience.
  • Contact Debbie Reinhart rcs-r-us@nsc.ca for more information.

NSC Powerboat Familiarization

  • Learn how to drive the NSC-owned powerboats safely. Free.
  • For NSC members who volunteer at Fleet events.
  • Meet at west lawn tent.
  • 10am-noon: big boats (Andy Haydon).
  • 12:30-2:30pm rib boats.
  • Most people attend only the morning or the afternoon.
  • Register by sending an email to Ted Ceelen rcs-r-us@nsc.ca.

Rescue / Safety Boat Handling

  • Learn to support dinghies and catamarans from an NSC support boat.
  • Free.
  • Participants: NSC members who want to volunteer at dinghy/catamaran activities.
  • Some attendees who are fit enough will take turns being in the rescued boat or in the water.
  • Ideally, you also attend the NSC Powerboat Familiarization on rib boats, but this is not mandatory.
  • To register, send email to NSC member Gad Perry.
  • You can attend this session multiple years. Practice makes perfect.
  • We also need a couple of dinghies and catamarans to be rescued – let Gad know.
  • 10am-noon Theory – at NSC Sail Training Centre
    Noon-12:30 Lunch (bring your own), rig boats, get out on the lake
    1-3pm On-the-water practice
  • This event will NOT train you to support Able Sailors. Contact sailtraining@nsc.ca if that is your interest.

More information

Thank-you to the Fleet training program coordinator: volunteer Mike Roper, staff Shawn Batten.
General questions: Contact Fleet Captain.

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