The NOD (Nepean One Design) regatta, on June 17-18, had 50 boats racing on two race courses on Lac Deschenes, with 110 competitors competing in J/22, J/80, Shark 24, Viper 640, 505, Fireball and Albacore on the middle and upper courses. We were very pleased to welcome seven boats from various sailing and yacht clubs in eastern Ontario and Montreal. Check out the full results of NOD 2023 here.
The first day of racing produced excellent results given the awesome winds of 11 -17kts with gusts up to 22 kts. The wind shifted from the NW to N back to NNW through the five hours of racing. The second day did not go as the PRO (Principal Race Officer) had hoped for. “Hope” was the MO of the day. The AP flag was raised first thing, meaning the racers could imbibe more coffee and nibble on a few more treats from The Galley. The delay lasted until 10:07am when the AP was lowered and the fleet headed out to their courses. The wind was only 3 knots gusting to 7 knots. Hope was short lived… by 11:30 the winds vanished, and the fleet returned to learn there would be no more racing; the regatta results were final.
On completion of the Saturday races, the racers and guests were treated to a social with a live band–The Acoustic Shooters–a dinner, and prize draws. Special thanks to NSC Social Director Dayna Helmer for the awesome decorations in the dining room. The highlight of the prize draw was the Wheel of Names. John Rae enjoyed it particularly, coming close to winning a door prize “twice”. It kept the racers engaged with 25 gift certificates from our Premier Sponsor The Chandlery; 4 dinner-for-2 gift certificates to Perkins Restaurant, 15 Meatball Magic Maker courtesy of Peter Huszcz – Mobile Mechanics; and 15 regatta cooler bags. The smiles and laughter said it all!
The awards ceremony went quickly. The J/22 Ontario Championship uncrowned the past champion. The new champion was announced and presented with the trophy: congratulations to BYC’s Alternative Girlfriend, Sam Fuller, skipper, and crew Justin Norton and Joel Riordan. Runners up were NSC’s J Crüe, John Rae, skipper, and crew JP Landart and Jay Morden; and 3rd place was NSC’s Raised J, Michele Cimon, skipper, and crew Johan Koppernaes and Tom Dawson. Well done to all!
If there had been a Dumpers Award it would have highlighted three honourable mentions: a crewmember of each of two Viper 640s and one J/22 fell overboard. Both were recovered without harm, and the race continued. There could have been more among the dinghy fleet who found the first day wind challenging but manageable.
A heartfelt thank-you to the 28 volunteers and our terrific NSC staff. Our race officers were Bill Visser (Principal), Tom Shenstone and Lisa Shishis (BYC), leading a team of 28 on-water officials, coaches and support people. Thank you to BYC for also sending a whaler and the BYC Fleet Captain David Foy’s sailboat “Gunsmoke” to assist. Greg Dargavel and his judges kept us aligned to the rules; no hearings were needed. Trevor Whitehouse kept score with excellent accuracy and speed. Scott Murphy who ran the registration/event table and was Onshore Operations Director ensured everyone had a signed waiver, checked in their boat, and received all the information required. His support to the Chairs was greatly appreciated. Bill and Greg worked diligently assisting the chairs in drafting the NOR and the SSIs. The NOR was published early as the SSI were on time and out to the competitors.
Staff contributions were key! We had NSC sailing staff on the water, mark laying and as pin boat support. Thanks to Shawn Batten, Sailing Activities Manager, for coordinating on-water resources. Our facilities staff are quite familiar with NOD and were on top of moorings, accommodating each fleet together as a group. Thank you to James Pole, Marine and Property Manager. Your expertise and patience are greatly appreciated.
NOD was a relatively new experience for most of our house staff and several of the sailing staff, who were there to assist the Operations Director. A special thanks to Tricia McBride, Club General Manager, who came to NSC right before last year’s NOD, and had all the ducks lined up, staff organized including the volunteer meals and breakfast treats (thank you to our Head Chef, Mark Dupuis—it was delicious!). Jamiie-Lynne Watson, Membership Administrator, in the office…thank you as well; you continue to support our membership. Our Hospitality Manager Ashantae Spalding’s communication to the event team ensured the dining room was well set up.
This event could not have been possible without all the volunteers, staff and, of course, our sponsors. When you see them, please say thank you. The Chandlery, Advantage Boating, Olford Team, Perkins, Mobile Mechanics, Mainbrace Studios, and our regalia from Pathway Creative Media. Your support was greatly appreciated.
Check out video footage here! With thanks to Shawn Batten.
Paul Place
NOD 2023 Co-Chair
Ted Ceelen
NOD 2023 Co-Chair
Scott Murphy
NOD 2023 past Co-Chair
NOD Registration/Sponsorship