Summer 2023 BRIGS Program

Sailing on the TS Playfair and STV Pathfinder with BRIGS is an experience like no other. From the moment you step onboard, you are a member of the crew. An active and thrilling experience from day one, from hauling on the lines, to steering the ship, you are vital. Onboard, you will learn that teamwork is an essential part of life, as every effort onboard the TS Playfair is a team effort. 

A normal day onboard is more than just sailing! Activities during your voyage will include swimming, singing, campfires, and exploring ports and anchorages throughout Ontario

By the end of the voyage, you will know the fundamentals of how to sail a Tall Ship and be certified as a BRIGS "lead hand'. 

Step up to the challenge and join our crew!

Race Up The Bruce

June 30 - July 7                                                Port Elgin - Tobermory                                                 $1295 + HST

Hop onboard in the beautiful beach town of Port Elgin. Learn the ropes and find your sea legs as Pathfinder and Playfair sail north towards the our summer cruising grounds of Georgian Bay. Sail around the top of the Bruce Peninsula, through the famous Flowerpot Islands, and explore the bays and inlets of Manitoulin Island before ending in the bustling tourist town of Tobermory. Experience the challenge of learning to sail a tall ship, and then kick back to enjoy swimming and campfires in the beautiful remote areas you have sailed to.

Mission To Manitoulin 

July 9 - July 20                                               Tobermory - Collingwood                                                 $2035 +HST

Set sail from Tobermory to explore some of the North Channel’s hidden gems while learning how to sail and work with your new shipmates. In addition to stunning destinations such as Lake Topaz and Bridal Veil Falls, this area has some of the best sailing grounds in Ontario. Next, we’ll sail south across Georgian Bay, trading windswept pines and campfires for the cottage country of Collingwood. By the end of this voyage, participants will have the skills to take on greater independence and responsibility in sailing the ships.

Bayhave Yourself

July 22 - July 30                                             Collingwood - Tobermory                                                  $1480 + HST

Set off from Collingwood and see where the wind takes us on this voyage across Georgian Bay. Whether the rocky inlets of the 30 000 islands or open water sailing up the coast of the Bruce Peninsula, you will learn the ropes and how the wind and weather to influences our course.

The 30,000 Island Tour

August 1 - August 7                                            Tobermory - Midland                                                   $1110 + HST

Departing the bustling tourist town of Tobermory, we head into the lake passing the Flowerpot Islands and into the waters of Georgian Bay. Learn the ropes and admire the stars as we sail through the night along the rocky coastline of Georgian Bay. Explore the remote 30 000 islands on our way south to the popular (for good reason!) sailing ground of Severn Sound. Experience the challenge of learning to sail a tall ship, and then kick back to enjoy swimming at sheltered anchorages.

Georgian Bay Express

August 8 - August 11                                        Collingwood - Owen Sound                                             $555 + HST

The perfect opportunity to experience life on a tall ship in a compact 3 night format. Learn the ropes, meet new friends, and swim off the ship as we meander through the islands of Severn Sound. If you love it, book on board one of our longer courses.

Back over the Bruce

August 14 - September 25                                   Collingwood - Kincardine                                             $2035 + HST

Join us for an epic adventure on our last crossing of Georgian Bay. Visit the islands and hidden gems of the North Channel before crossing back into Lake Huron to experience open water sailing. Our destinations are always weather dependent but we can expect to visit places like Lake Topaz or Bridal Veil Falls, or even circumnavigate Manitoulin Island if the conditions are right. The voyage ends with a warm welcome at the Marine Heritage festival in beautiful Kincardine. By the end of this voyage, participants will have the skills to take on a significant degree of independence and responsibility in sailing the ships.

Down the Lakes

August 27 - September 3                                        Kincardine - Windsor                                                 $1295 + HST

In the final weeks of the summer, we’ll enjoy some last days of sailing on the open waters of Lake Huron. Leaving from Kincardine, we’ll set sail to head south towards the mouth of the St. Clair river. After a few days out on the open lake with a few stops at ports along the eastern coast, we’ll take on the St. Clair river. Learn to navigate the seaway as we pass below impressive illuminated bridges and salute the cargo ships that pass us by. Finally as we exit the Detroit River - our sights set on Pelee Island and then the quaint town of Erieau, Ontario.