Summer Sails
Sail training voyages for young people age 13 to 25 Explore the spectacular coast of British Columbia as trainee crew of a traditional tall ship! No previous sailing experience is necessary.
| "There were times I felt like I had gone back a hundred years into the past. Living a thing is the deepest way to learn it, and I learned a lot." |
| Summer 2019 trainee |
You wake up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the wooden hull as the aroma of fresh baking wafts over you from the galley. Your watch group is on duty to start the day. Before climbing the ladder to the deck, you take a deep breath, grab your sunscreen, logbook and prepare for the adventures ahead. It’s your turn at the wheel. The rest of your shipmates get to work hoisting sail as you watch the brilliant canvas raise before you at the helm. The lofty sails catch the freshening breeze and rising sun as the ship gently heels. The compass shifts. You turn the wheel to hold her steady. One of your friends is climbing the rigging.
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Silhouetted against the brilliant blue sky they call down excitedly from aloft. “Porpoises!” Word spreads rapidly through the ship and soon the air is filled with the sounds of footsteps, excited gasps, and the gentle breath and thunderous splash of breaching marine life. Good morning!
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Each trainee is assigned a bunk and a watch group. As a member of that watch, you will take part in all aspects of life aboard:
- raising and lowering sails
- galley work
- bosun's chores
- steering the ship
- anchor watch at night
In addition to being trained as crew aboard a large sailing vessel, trainees will be instructed in the following skills:
- chart work and navigation
- rope work and knots
- theory of sailing and rules of the road
- history of sailing and small boat handling
While off watch, time is available for individual pastimes such as swimming, using the rope swing, wildlife viewing, and climbing the ship's rigging. Delicious homemade meals are prepared on board by the ship's cook. Most special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice. Trainees row ashore in our traditional dories for beach combing, wide games, hiking, and exploring in marine parks. Evening 'mug-up' includes lively games, singing, stories and tasty treats. |
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Travel Information
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SALTS does not arrange travel or accommodation prior to or following trips but does provide travel tips and resources such as an email Travel Sharing List for those who would like to connect and share travel plans or carpool with others on the same trip. Keep in mind that there will be 30-60 other SALTS participants heading to and from the same location so trainees seldom travel alone!
Please be aware that airline, bus and ferry schedules are subject to change without notice . Boarding and disembarking times at the northern locations may be adjusted to accommodate as many same day arrivals as possible.
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