Welcome to Canada’s Largest Sailing Club – Discover the difference!
Sail into the breathtaking sunset at Nepean Sailing Club (NSC), located just west of Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Nestled on the shores of the Ottawa River in Lac Deschênes, our club offers world-class facilities and an unmatched sailing experience for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a beginner, NSC invites you to join us and explore the extraordinary world of sailing. Our club provides a wide range of amenities and support activities, including water moorings, dry sail launch cranes and ramps, service docks, and more, allowing you to make the most of your sailing adventures.
While sailing is the heart of our club, we welcome boaters of all kinds. Whether you prefer the thrill of racing or the leisurely pace of cruising, our programs and facilities cater to your nautical interests.
Sail training is a key focus at NSC. We offer comprehensive programs for youngsters, adults, and sailors with disabilities, providing opportunities to learn to sail, cruise, race and enjoy outings on the water with dinghies and keelboats.
With a vibrant calendar of on-water and off-water events throughout the year, there’s something for everyone in our family-friendly, volunteer-based club. Experience the warmth and camaraderie of our community by joining us for a chat to explore the possibilities that await you.
General Information
Established in 1979, Nepean Sailing Club is a family-oriented, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting active participation in the sport of sailing and recreational boating. Located at Dick Bell Park on Lac Deschênes, a captivating part of the Ottawa River in Nepean, Ontario, NSC offers exceptional boating experiences at an affordable cost.
We host a wide array of sailing activities, regattas, and sail training programs, including the Able Sail program, providing accessible sailboats, personal support workers, and training for individuals with special needs in the National Capital Region. Our sail training programs cater to sailors of all ages and skill levels, starting from the age of 6 with our Tackers program.
Inside our club, you’ll find the Members Lounge and Harbourview Hall, both offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills. Designed to resemble the interior of a boat, these entertainment areas create a bright and spacious ambiance with high ceilings and natural pine beams. The fully licensed facility is open year-round, with reduced hours during the cooler months.
Membership Information
We welcome new members at NSC! To become a member, please visit the NSC Office in person. Membership runs from November 1st to October 31st of the following year.
For a detailed list of amenities and frequently asked questions about the club’s structure and operations, refer to our Member’s Guide. To understand the membership fees, including annual membership, harbour, and mooring fees, consult our Fee Schedule.
If you’re interested in accessing sailboats without the responsibilities of ownership, our Sail Share program, in partnership with Advantage Boating, provides an excellent solution!
Location Information
Explore NSC and the picturesque Lac Deschênes on Google Maps, or refer to the charts of Lac Deschênes to plan your nautical adventures.
Nepean Sailing Club Site Plan
| 1 — Launch Ramp (Vehicle Launch) / Rampe de lancement (Lancement par véhicule) | 6 — Green Gazebo / Gazebo vert |
| 2 — Blue Gazebo / Gazebo bleu | 7 — Launch Ramp (Hand Launch Only)/ Rampe de lancement (Lancement manuel, sans véhicule) |
| 3 — NSC Clubhouse, Registration, Office and Washrooms/Pavillon principal, enregistrement, bureau et toilette accessible. | 8 — Youth Sailing Pavilion, First Aid and washrooms, Charging Facility/Pavillon de voile, premiers-soins, toilette accessible, remplissage de batterie. |
| 4 — Wheelchair Pathway / Sentier accessible | P — Parking / Stationnement |
| 5 — Dock Access / Accès au quai |
Sponsorships and Advertising
Discover opportunities for event sponsorship and advertising on our Sponsorship page.