Lone boat on a distant shore

KSC Fall Update

Events, News, ,

Hello Sailors!

Closing Day

KSC closing day for 2023 will be Saturday, October 14th starting at 9am. This is where we move all the boats up from the beach and ready the clubhouse for yet another long winter. As we always say, many hands make light work so please do your best to show up and help out! This event is rain or shine, bring some gloves and dress for the weather. We’re also looking for volunteers to don a wet suit and help haul in the dock, I’ll be sure to bring mine but could definitely use some help.

Like most years we are going to have a potluck afterwards so bring along your favourite food items. We’ve created a spreadsheet for members to add what they are bringing so we can take stock:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TA6zs60O70NDq-b7WGYR_Gx5vOt_Lgk0f0LLyBDwZXg/edit?usp=sharing

Call for Board Members

The directors had a good discussion about this topic and we wanted to acknowledge the tremendous effort our members are making to help out. From major site renovation projects to small housekeeping tasks, it’s you the members that keep this club going. So a huge thank you for all that you do!

This year we have a number of board members that will be exiting their roles, and we are looking for anyone that would be willing to jump in and help out. Since it may not be obvious what each director does, here’s a brief description of each:

  • Commodore – The captain of the ship, this role helps bind the whole organization together and keeps us moving in the right direction. Ultimately responsible for the safety and security of the club.
  • Vice-Commodore – Pulling in the big bucks with all the grant applications, this role is mostly to fill gaps in the org and help take on tasks which don’t have an obvious owner.
  • Membership – Looks after our members of course, this role is for making sure everyone is happy and keeps track of who is joining and how to get more people to sign up.
  • Training – An important job in a teaching club like ours, this role hires the instructors and keeps our training classes running year after year.
  • Site – Handles all the hardware that isn’t stainless, this role keeps the clubhouse and the land it sits on in tip top shape.
  • Social – Our official event planner, this role coordinates events and works closely with the Sailing and Membership directors to keep our members active in the club.
  • Harbourmaster – Boats boats and more boats, this role keeps our fleet on the water and in ready-to-race condition.
  • Purser – Fundamental to the operation of any non-profit, this role keeps tabs on the credits and debits and ultimately signs all the cheques.
  • Website & Communications – Separate positions that have been commonly held by the same person. This role manages our KSC website and sends out all these perfect communiques, always on time, and with absolutely no spelling or grammatical mistakes at all.
  • Sailing – The perfect job at a sailing club after all, this role works closely with the Social director to coordinate special sailing events and organizes the weekly race series.
  • Corporate Secretary – Also fundamental for a non-profit, the secretary is responsible for recording important decisions and cataloguing the corporate history of the club.

If any of these sound like something you can help out with, even if not officially or even if a board member is still occupying the role (like me!), please reach out to our commodore Corinne. You can make a big difference to the operation of our club, and the directors would really appreciate the help.

Annual General Meeting

On that note, the KSC AGM will be held at the Nepean Sailing Club, Harbourview conference room on Thursday, November 23rd starting at 7pm. This event is where we review the operation of the club for the last year and gives the membership a chance to voice their opinion on the handling and direction of the club.

We will be hosting the event in person and by Google Meet, meeting link & call-in numbers provided in the event link above (click the date). Feel free to come early and have a bite to eat and a pint with the other early birds. The Harbourview room is next to the pub on the 2nd floor.

If you have photos of sailors or other happenings around the club, please upload them to our drive and we’ll present them at the meeting as well as find a place for them on our website:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-9GtSXcBfYIlifiGXiab1hF6ehMCvE8m?usp=sharing

Financial reports and previous AGM minutes will be provided before the event to review.

NOTICE OF RACE: KSC Cat Regatta Saturday 26 August 2023

Events, Sailing, ,

Saturday, 26 August 2023
Rain Date will be Sunday 27 August 2023
Registration: 0930-1000h
Skipper’s Meeting: 1010h
First start: 1045h
Final race before: 1515h

The Kanata Sailing Club is pleased to announce its 10th annual Open
Catamaran Regatta Saturday, 26 August 2023. This event is open to KSC
members. Guests are welcome to join as crew members if space is available.
Please let the sailing director know if you have guests who wish to sail. All types
of catamarans are welcome to compete.

There is no entry fee for this event. Just bring your smile and your energy.

Lunch and beverages are provided by the sailors themselves. We suggest you
assemble your lunch to enjoy on the deck as we will break during the race for a
short lunch, around 45 mins in length. Depending on the weather , lunch time will
be discussed at the skippers meeting. BYO Water and snacks, to consume on
the water.

  1. Registration will begin online the evening before ( Friday 25 August ) starting
    at 1900h by sending the sailing director an email at
    sailing@kanatasailingclub.com or in person at 0930 -1000h, the day of the race.
    For KSC members, KSC boats will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
    You must have a RED TAG or Green Tag (RS 16 Cat) to skipper a KSC Cat.
  2. Skipper’s meeting is at 1010h at the Clubhouse back deck.
  3. First start will be no earlier than 1045h. We will not start the final race after
    1515h.

The course will consist of multiple windward/leeward laps approximately 1-2 km
apart (depending on wind), with a mid-course entry and reaching finish. (formal
Sailing Instructions will follow.)

This event is meant to be fun but some competitive spirit is always welcome, just
leave your cat claws at home.

Your Acting Sailing Director,
Carla Millar, sailing@kanatasailingclub.com

Steve & Mark won the '23 12mi island race

12 Mile Island Race

Events, Sailing, , , ,

Last Saturday’s 12 Mile Is race (held July 22nd) brought with it warm sunny skies with highs of 25c and winds from the west northwest at 10 kts. The wind pouring in from up river promised to also deliver gusts of 20 kts throughout the day and the idea that rounding the island would give the sailors the ability to cut loose and fly downwind back towards the club. With 9 sailboats all vying for bragging rights and the top winning prize, the weather didn’t fail.

The first to cross the start line was Steve and Mark in the Tasar. They did not disappoint as they beated up river towards the island in just under 2 hours. The 50 minute ride back gave their tense and tired muscles a much needed brake as they soared back and planed downwind to a 4th spot elapsed time finish just behind the 3 catamarans. Their sailing handicap placed them at the head of the leader board with several boats yet to finish.

Rob and Bianca in the Hobie 18 repeated their first place elapsed time result from 2 years ago. The wind didn’t allow for any dining on board this time as it was all hands on deck to deal with the winds. The handicap pushed them back into 3rd place while awaiting the other results.

Heidi and Connor, our fearless sailing instructors, very quickly took over the lead on their way up to 12 Mile Is. in the Hobie 18. As they approached the island, they pondered “How does one exactly gybe this beast anyway?” Having not yet read the Cat sailing manual, Connor resorted to a type of “parkour” sailing style as he threw the tiller extension one way around the back of the boat while simultaneously diving under the boom and catching said tiller on the other side. With thoughts of capsizing swirling in her head with each of these maneuvers, Heidi suffered a trapeze wardrobe malfunction and found herself launched and landing on her skipper Connor in the middle of his parkour maneuvers. A miraculous third place finish would have to suffice for the time being.

Frank and Jean, sailing the stylish RS cat, set out with hopes of an exhilarating ride, planing and surfing their way back to the club. The winds delivered but denied them their lunch experience on the water except for a quick snack of boiled eggs that Frank exclaimed was “the best thing ever!“

Ken, racing in his Laser, streamed across the finish line in quick time, shortly behind the Tasar despite the death roll practices he performed on the way back to the finish, proving again that one can be ejected from a laser and make it back in the boat in just under 1 minute.

Stephan, in the “Bomb” Bombardier, settled in for a full day’s sailing along with his construction cooler filled with a days allotment of food. Finding himself hungry before arriving up river to Pinhey’s Point, Stefan reached for 1 of the many items packed away in his cooler only to have his boat simultaneously give up both hiking straps. While tumbling upside down into the water, Stefan could only think of one important thing: My Cooler! A few successful man overboard maneuvers brought back the food bin into the boat, while Stefan faced some tricky sailing for the rest of the trip without any hiking straps.

Tom and newly qualified sailor Xiong set out in the Quest for the challenge of rounding 12 miles Is. With Tom sporting an old but new bright orange Dry Top, it was sure to allow us the ability to spot him where ever they sailed on the river. He was heard exclaiming that it was now “his new best friend.” This is Xiong’s first rounding. Congratulations are in hand.

Eric and Devin brought up the rear in the other Quest. The two red heads left in a pale condition when they set out only to return in a lovely shade of “pink lobster” upon arrival. 5 hours and 30 minutes in the sun was a challenge to both but they made it safely back to the club. Well done.

Special thanks to Jason who escorted the flotilla as far as Pinhey’s point in his sporty Musto.

Results including Portsmouth Yardstick Handicap

  1. Steve Harrington and Mark Cooligan
  2. Ken Skublics
  3. Rob Zgraggen and Bianca Helmus
  4. Frank Boyaner and Jean Mullan
  5. Heidi Cloutier and Connor Quinlan
  6. Tom Newman and Xiong Xue
  7. Stefan Bilan
  8. Eric Andrews and Devin Linnington

Carla Millar
Acting Sailing Director and Event RC

Steve & Mark won the '23 12mi island race
Eric rounding 12mi island on the RS Quest
Rob & Bianca on a H18 headed to 12mi island
12mi Island
Tom & Xiong on RS Quest headed to 12mi island
Steph on his Bomb headed to 12mi island
An island 12 miles away

NOTICE OF RACE: KSC 12 Mile Is. Regatta Saturday 22 JULY 2023

Events, Sailing, ,

Saturday, July 22nd
Registration : 0930 -1000
Skipper’s Meeting 1000
Start right after the skipper’s meeting
Last Racer start no later than 1100

The annual 12-Mile-Island (Harry Adderly) Regatta has been held since 2011. It is KSC’s longest distance race. Depending on boat used and wind conditions, the rounding of the island can take from 2.5 to 5 hours (with 3-4 hours being typical). Participating in the 12-Mile-Island Regatta (and completing the rounding) counts as a rounding for the Harry Adderly and Ken Eaves sponsored 12-Mile-Island Challenge.

Eligible Sailors/Boats KSC members with boat sign-out privileges and their guests are welcome to enter the event. Boats signed out on a first come basis. So get there early.

Classes and Starts : All dinghy classes including monohulls and multihulls are permitted to race. Portsmouth Numbers will be used to determine the handicap rating for each class and to calculate the Corrected Time (CT) for each boat’s Elapsed Time (ET).

There will be one start — monohulls and multihulls will be required to start between 1000h and 1100h. This is intended so that competitors will finish closer to the same time. A self timed start and finish using the honour system will be used for this event. A mark will be placed out on the water creating a line between the jetty at KSC and the mark. You are to use this line as your start. You are to pass the times on to the sailing director upon finishing at sailing@kanatasailingclub.com or by cellphone (provided onsite). Your Actual time will be calculated using the PN handicap numbers to determine the scores.

Entry Fee : There is no entry fee

Registration : Online Registration to the sailing director’s email address to sailing@kanatasailingclub.com until 11:59pm Friday 21 July 2023 or On-site Registration at the KSC clubhouse on Saturday 22 July 2023 starting at 0930h and continuing until 1000h.

Formal Sailing Instructions (SIs) will be communicated at the skippers meeting at 1000.

Bring your own food and fluids for your sailing journey and for any meals you choose to have after the event. The Deck and BBQ are open.

We will not leave you on the water. I will be on site for the start and available for any urgent help if needed as RC and crash boat until end of the race. No crashing please. I will give out my cell phone number to you all at the skippers meeting. The KSC instructors are welcome to race that day.

Race Finish: The sailing race will officially end at 1700h or 5:00 pm. Bragging rights go anyone who finishes the entire race especially to the top three finishers. Prizes will be awarded.

Carla Millar Acting Sailing Director – KSC sailing@kanatasailingclub.com

2023 SailPast and BBQ 🎉🍖🌅

Events,

Saturday, July 15th is the date for the Kanata Sailing Club’s party of the season, our annual SailPast. This event is held after the first training sessions have been completed, so we have an opportunity to meet and greet our newest Blue Tag sailors.

Timeline:

Noon: Choose your boat, rig and decorate your craft with streamers, balloons etc. Dress yourself as you like

2 pm: Cast off to SailPast our Commodore

Then enjoy the rest of the afternoon on the water!

5 pm: gather on the deck for “cocktails”

6 pm: BBQ Dinner! Rumour has it that a suckling pig is being prepared, along with Salads and Dessert

Details:

RSVP Social Director Tom at social@kanatasailingclub.com ASAP so we have a head-count for food

Indicate alternate food preferences to Tom and arrangements will be made

Pay in cash for the BBQ to the Social Director

$20 per adult; $10 for 18s and under

BYOB and the club provides a selection of non-alcoholic beverages

Race Night Tuesday 27 June 2023

Sailing, ,

Hello KSC Sailors out there:

What started out to be another drift fest for race night with about 4 kts of wind quickly became a challenging windy race event. With 5 sailboats set to hash it out for top spot on  the leaderboard, the wind picked up to 10 kts towards the start of race 1 with gusts of 18 kts then held steady throughout the rest of race 2. Carla and Steve on the 29er didn’t disappoint as they demonstrated to the fleet how to capsize in the middle of a spinnaker kite dousing while simultaneously being nailed by a gust. Jean, with Annie flying by on the RS cat, saw an opportunity of pulling ahead especially since Jason on the Musto Skiff adopted the same capsizing tactics as Steve and Carla.  Unfortunately hope of a win for Jean and Annie were dashed once Carla and Steve managed to douse their kite in the water then right the 29 er and sail on to victory in Race 1. Fear of running over the entire fleet Jean and Annie settled for a 3rd place finish.  Mike L, happily sailing in the laser and full of McDonald’s hamburgers, passed by in second place while Tom, Marc W and our newbie and ever so keen learner Ruth (welcome Ruth) held tight in 4th place.  Race 2 didn’t disappoint either. Jason felt a few more capsize practices are always a good thing so proceeded to carry on. Annie and Jean heard a cold bevvie calling their names so bailed after race 1 and the trio of Marc, Tom and Ruth held steady to capture 3rd place. Race Results are as follows. 

RACE 1

  1. STEVE AND CARLA
  2. MIKE LEPARD
  3. JEAN and ANNIE
  4. MARC, TOM, RUTH
  5. JASON

Race 2

  1. STEVE AND CARLA
  2. MIKE LEPARD
  3. MARC, TOM, RUTH
  4. JASON OCF

– Carla Millar acting sailing director

[Editor note: Our current sailing director Mike Reece was injured in a hiking accident, Carla will be taking over race nights for the summer.]

2023-05-31 Spring Beach

KSC Spring Update 🌼🍃⛵

Events, News, ,

Hello everyone, just a few quick updates from your KSC board of directors.

Dock Install Sat June 3rd

Calling everyone who’s able to help! We’re bringing the big dock down the ramp and anchoring it on the beach. This usually requires a bunch of people as it’s very heavy and difficult to maneuver.

If you’re free please come down to the club and help us move it this Sat, June 3rd, around 10:30am. If you bring a wet suit Ken will be very happy to have some help positioning the dock in the water!

Summer Race nights every Tuesday

Weekly Race Night will start on Tuesday, June 13th, and run all summer.

These race nights are great fun and a great way to improve your skills. Our top racer, Steve Harrington, will give an overview of racing rules and strategy (e.g. races are won and lost at the start line) before we venture out on the water for some actual racing. Our instructor crew will run the races, and the two main rules are, nobody left standing onshore, and have fun. Tom Neumann has graciously agreed to supply hamburgers and beer for afterwards (please bring some cash if you want a burger and beer). The session will begin on the beach at 5:30 pm. Learn to sail students welcome to participate as crew.

Power to the Club Coming Soon!

If you’ve been to the club recently you may have noticed a bunch of new hydro poles installed. That’s right, we’re going to have power restored to the clubhouse soon! Stay tuned for more info.

Boat Rigging Refreshers every Saturday

Boat rigging refresher sessions at 1:30 pm on Saturdays throughout June.

Power Boat Tutorial Session Jun 24th

Power boat tutorial session at 4 pm on June 24th – you need your Personal Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to participate!

Duty Day Sign-ups are Live

All active members should sign up for their two duty day shifts on our website.

Sister Sailing Club Events

There are some upcoming events hosted by the Nepean Sailing Club for consideration (see NSC website for registration):

Members helping during Launch Day

Launch Day Next Saturday 9am-3pm

Commodore, Events, News,

April 22 is Next Weekend!

Start thinking about your best chili recipe for the potluck, and email Tom soon at social@kanatasailingclub.com if you plan to bring one.

We hope to see plenty of members, old and new, at the club working together to start getting boats and the clubhouse ready for the new sailing season. This event takes place rain or shine.

To bring:

  • gloves and work wear
  • battery powered tools if you have ’em
  • items that you volunteered to store over the winter 

Our exciting plans for the day:

  • Flipping and rigging the RS Quests and Fevas
  • Moving Lasers & Bytes out of the clubhouse and assembling their dollies
  • Taking the Optis out from under the deck to the beach
  • Moving the power boats down to the beach
  • Getting the dock setup in the water
  • Potluck chili when we wrap for the day (BYOB if desired)

We’re fortunate that certain resourceful members have offered to lend us their generator for keeping chili crock-pots warm. That’s right, no hydro as yet, but watch for brand new overhead lines as you drive down the club access road!

Looking forward to hitting the water and the new deck with everyone. See you next weekend.

New Safe Sport Policies

News

From our friends at Sail Canada, we’ve implemented new safe sport policies for all volunteers/employees of the club. See blurb below.

A Commitment to Safe Sport at Kanata Sailing Club
In our sport across Canada a tremendous amount of work and resource has been committed to adopt
the Sail Canada Safe Sport Policy Package at every level of sailing. Safe Sport is a commitment and
initiative to prevent and address maltreatment in sport, ensuring that sport environments create safe
and positive experiences for all.
Kanata Sailing Club has adopted the Safe Sport Policy Package and is committed to fostering a safe sport
environment in our organization and within the sport of sailing. Everyone has a role to play, and we look
to you for support in upholding its expectations and keeping each other accountable. The Policy package
can be found on our website: http://kanatasailingclub.com/club-policies-and-operations/safe-sport-policies/