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 lay out race marks, practice and improve racing skills on the water, improve your dinghy sailing skills, and drive an NSC powerboat safely.

Skills Training for Racers

New Racing Rules for 2025

  • Part of NSC Winter Speaker Series.
  • 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.
  • Mark rounding rules now make sense to normal people!
  • No crashing your opponents into the committee boat!
  • And other important rules that you need to know.
  • See the NSC Winter Speaker Series for further information

Docking Essentials

  • Part of NSC Winter Speaker Series.
  • 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.
  • See the NSC Winter Speaker Series for further information

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

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 Ted Ceelen 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 Ted Ceelen 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 Ted Ceelen 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.
  • Registration by email – to be announced.
  • 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.
General questions: Contact Fleet Captain.

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