This year the Fleet Committee is again offering a rich menu of training opportunities, to help both volunteers and racers participate in the largest sailboat race program in North America, right here on Lac Deschenes. Learn how to Run a Regatta, lay out Race Marks, get expert advice on Sail Trim, practice and improve Racing Skills on the Water, drive an NSC powerboat safely.
Please note the following updates to the 2023 training program:
Club Judge Training Course
This in person course is now being delivered on-line on Tuesday March 28, 2023 and Thursday March 30, 2023 (7:00pm – 9:30pm ET)
– Participants must attend BOTH sessions. To register go to Ontario Sailing
- follow the links for Officials, Club Judges
Anyone who has already registered for the in-person course will be re-directed to the online course.
Our offerings in 2023
SKILLS TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Registration for these training courses is generally required but most are offered at no cost. Full details on each course and how to register and participate are listed in the descriptions you can link to by clicking on any title.
| Feb 26 | How to Run an NSC Regatta |
| March 26 | Ontario Sailing Club Judge Course |
| March 28,30 | Ontario Sailing Assistant Race Officer Course |
| April 11,13,18,20 | Sail Ontario Club Race Officer Course |
| May 27-28 | Mark Layer Course |
| June 11 | NSC Powerboat Familiarization |
| July 21 | Mark Layer Orientation |
| To be announced | Rescue / Safety Boat Handling |
SKILLS TRAINING FOR RACERS
| Feb 7, 28, April 4 | On-line Virtual Racing Practice |
| April 15 | North U Racing Tactics Seminar |
| April 22 | Women in Wind Seminar |
| May 19, 25, Jun 2 | Keelboat Race Practice |
| June 23- July 14 | Dinghy Skills Improvement |
| July28 – August 18 | Dinghy Skills Improvement |
Virtual Racing Practice
- Online racing training, using Virtual Regatta Inshore and Zoom. Live coaching from experts.
- Free.
- Participants: Any NSC club member or guest
- 7 February, 28 February, 4 April – 1930–2030 hours
- Register: Virtual Racing Practice
Assistant Race Officer Course – ONLINE
- Race officials play a vital role in the organization and management of sailboat racing in Ontario. Through this course you will learn the skills to assist in the running of a race as a member of the Race Committee. To be certified as an Assistant Race Officer, you must complete a Sail Canada Assistant Race Officer Course.
- Cost: $28.25 (includes taxes) – will be refunded by NSC.
- 28 and 30 March 1900-2200 hours – Participants must attend BOTH online sessions to complete this course.
- Registration and payment through Ontario Sailing: start at this web page.
North U Racing Tactics
- It takes more than speed to win races. The North U Tactics Seminar teaches the strategy and tactics you need to turn your speed into a podium finish. Starts, upwind, downwind, mark rounding: With top instructors and refined curriculum you’ll learn techniques to improve your game all the way around the course.
- Seminar Details
- The latest in racing strategy, tactics, and rules.
- Strategic planning for wind, wind shifts, and current.
- Tactics to keep you in control.
- Rules so you know your rights and obligations.
- Led by NorthU instructor Geoff Moore
- Participants: Open to the public
- 15 April. 0900-1600. Check in at 0830. Harbourview Hall NSC
- Registration and Payment on this page.
- RISK-FREE Registration – North offers a FULL refund if you cancel.
How to Run an NSC Regatta
- Ever wonder how to host or run a regatta from start to finish? Well, look no further. Join host Scott Murphy, with assistance from your Fleet Captain, in the NSC Harbourview room on February 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.
- 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.
- There is no cost to attend this seminar, and it is also half price wing Sunday!!\
- February 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Harbourview Room.
- Register here.
Club Judge Course
- 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. - 26 March NSC Sailing Room
- Register here.
If you have questions, please click on this link to send an email.
Club Race Officer Course (Online)
- A Club Race Officer manages the on the water activities of regattas at the club level. You must also submit an application for certification including a record of practical experience in Race Committee organization. Ontario Sailing delivers several Sail Canada CRO Race Management courses throughout the year. Assistant Race Officer Certification is a prerequisite for this course.
- For more information see Race Management Program at Sail Canada
- Cost: $28.25 (includes tax). NSC will reimburse the fees for any NSC member.
- Participants: Volunteers and interested racers from any club. Optional certification is available.
- Dates: Tuesday April 11, Thursday April 13, 2023, Tuesday April 18, and Thursday April 20, 2023 (7:00pm – 10:00pm ET) – Participants must attend ALL FOUR online sessions to complete this course.
- Register: Race Management and Judge Courses at Ontario Sailing
Women in Wind
- 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.
- Saturday, 22 April, hosted by BYC.
- Registration details to be announced.
NSC Power Boat Familiarization
- Details to be announced
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 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:
- June 23 to July 14
- July 28 to August 18.
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 2023.
Please contact leonoreevans1@gmail.com or sailing@nsc.ca for more information
Mark Laying Course
Details to be announced
Mark Layer Orientation
Details to be announced
Rescue Boat Handling
Details to be announced
More information
Thank-you to the Fleet training program coordinator: volunteer Mike Roper, staff Shawn Batten.
General questions: Contact Fleet Captain.
