BRIGS Youth Sail Training

Sailing on the TS Playfair 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!

Course 1

June 29 - July 10                                             Port Elgin - Tobermory                                             $2 750 + HST

 Participants will join in Port Elgin Harbour and learn the ropes on the first afternoon. Weather permitting, we will head out that evening, either to sail and then anchor at nearby Chantry Island, or to sail overnight and begin to journey north up the Bruce Peninsula. Learn the ropes and admire the stars as we sail along the rocky coastline..

This voyage will head to the North Channel, some of the world's best freshwater sailing grounds, to explore remote anchorages, islands, and the welcoming towns on Manitoulin Island. This voyage includes three different Great Lakes!

This voyage  qualifies for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze, Silver, or Gold Adventurous Journeys or Gold Residential Project.

Course 2 

July 13 - July 23                                               Tobermory - Port Elgin - Tobermory                                                $XXXX*

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. 

This voyage is reserved for BroadReach Canada's Ships2Shores program. They fund sail training for eligible youth who would otherwise not be able to experience the adventure of sail training, as part of a wider community service and civic engagement program.

*Reserved for partnership program with Ships2Shores - check if you are eligible to join this program here!

Course 3

July 27 - Aug 7                                             Port Elgin - Collingwood                                            $2750 + HST*

Set off from Tobermory 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. Enjoy sailing by the stars, sunrises and sunsets, and swimming off the ship on hot days. 

Join us for an epic adventure crossing Georgian Bay. Visit the islands and hidden gems of the North Channel or Tobermory. Depending on the weather, we may spend more time in the North Channel, or explore the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, the 30,000 islands.

This voyage  qualifies for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze, Silver, or Gold Adventurous Journeys or Gold Residential Project.

*Financial Assistance Available

Course 4

August 10 - August 14                                           Collingwood to Penetang                                                $1000 + HST

Departing from Collingwood, we head into the blue waters of Georgian Bay. Learn the ropes and admire the stars as we sail along the rocky coastline. It's a shorter voyage, but you'll still get a taste of adventure: night watch, swimming, ship's concert, climbing the rigging, and steering the ship!

Course 5

August 16 - August 26                                   Penetanguishene - Windsor                                             $XXXX*

Join us for an epic adventure on our last crossing of Georgian Bay. Visit the islands and hidden gems of the North Channel or Tobermory before crossing back into Lake Huron to experience open water sailing. The voyage ends with a warm welcome at the Marine Heritage festival in beautiful Kincardine.

This voyage is reserved for BroadReach Canada's Ships2Shores program. They fund sail training for eligible youth who would otherwise not be able to experience the adventure of sail training, as part of a wider community service and civic engagement program.

*Reserved for partnership program with Ships2Shores - check if you are eligible to join this program here!

Course 6

August 28 - September 6                                        Windsor - Port Colborne                                                 $2 250 + HST

Finish out the summer in the most epic way possible, and roll into the next school year tanned and proud of yourself! After departing Windsor, we’ll head south to leave the Detroit River and then set sail to cross Lake Erie. Possible stops include Pelee Island, the southernmost point in Canada, Erieau, or the beach towns of Port Stanley or Port Dover.

This voyage  qualifies for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze, Silver, or Gold Adventurous Journeys or Gold Residential Project.