Get Away and Enjoy
![sailboats in various parts of the river](https://nsc.wmtest.ca/an/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/panorama-top-racing-500x107.jpg)
Whether it’s a day trip, weekend overnighter, or you're making the long-haul journey to Fitzroy, destination cruising is a fantastic opportunity to get away with family and friends and enjoy new surroundings. The Nepean Sailing Club has an active cruising member community whose experience ranges from regular up-river trips to long-duration sails in exotic locations worldwide.
Situated on Lac Deschênes, the club offers immediate access to 50 nautical miles of the Ottawa River upriver to the Chats Falls Dam and back. There is a rich array of historical sites and safe anchorages to explore and enjoy. With the right knowledge and planning, even the smallest of boats can become your regular ‘cottage on the water’ here! Just read the fabulous article on Dinghy Cruising on the Ottawa River.
The club also maintains Reciprocal Agreements with a number of other clubs on St. Lawrence, Lake Ontario, and other locales for the mutual benefit of visiting club members.
Anchorages and Charts
From the convenience of Aylmer Island to the upper limits of Pontiac Bay, there are many worthy destinations on the Ottawa River. Check out this overview of popular anchorages to plan your cruising adventures.
![Chart of the Lac Deschenes](https://nsc.ca/images/lac_deschennes_chart_1550.jpg)
Cruising Resources
Here's a list of other resources of interest to cruising sailors.
- Crew Bank — List of crew needed or available for day sailing and racing.
- Sail Share Program — The local boat-sharing program run by Advantage Boating
- Reciprocating Clubs — List of Reciprocating Clubs with visiting member privileges.
- Sail Training (Adult) — Range of sailing-related development courses, on the water & in the classroom.
- Ottawa River Sailing Page (external link) — A complete website on the Ottawa River.
Cruising Events
Here are some of the vital club-organized events every cruiser should be aware of:
- Commodore's Sailpast — On-water club season kickoff in early June.
- NSC Baskin's Beach Weekend — Popular up-river social event in August.
- Social Cruising — Social club sailing events and activities.
Related Topics
- How to Fly Flags - Flag Etiquette Manual, Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons, 1st edition 2005.