Do not overestimate your abilities. Your basic training as a SailONEC skipper is approximately equal to the White Sail Level II. It will equip you to sail in winds of 8 to 16 kilometers per hour. This is a “gentle breeze” and much stronger winds can be expected on the Ottawa. Learn to judge the wind and match it to your abilities and to the weather generally.

Small craft warnings are issued by Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada when Sustained wind speeds in the range of winds of 37 k per hour to 61 k per hour are expected.

Safety Tip – Remember that when you go out in a dinghy you have a given amount of energy. Cold, windy, and wet conditions are tiring and in a dinghy there is no opportunity to rest or restore your energy levels. As your energy drops, your performance will deteriorate.