For specific information about trainee's sailing experiences, please see the FAQ page.
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Brigs Youth Sail Training is a charitable organization dedicated to building leadership, self-efficacy and self-esteem in youth 13-18.
This is accomplished through the peer-to-peer delivery of challenging programs aboard our traditionally-rigged vessel, with a focus on safety and the creation of positive and memorable experiences on board.
Brigs also endeavours to foster learning and the development of practical and inter-personal skills, the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices, and an appreciation of the rich marine heritage of the Great Lakes.
Founded in 1962 in Toronto as Toronto Brigantine Inc., we have been based in Hamilton, ON, since 2021.
OUR MISSION
To bring together youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences and, through sail training, foster personal growth, the development of practical skills, the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices and an appreciation of the rich marine history of the Great Lakes.
OUR VISION
To be a leader in the delivery of affordable sail training for youth, to develop character, foster personal growth and develop self-confidence and awareness.
HISTORY
Brigs began in 1962 as Toronto Brigantine, a charitable organization. Our founding tenets were the development of leadership, discipline, and citizenship in a maritime environment. The men and women who founded Toronto Brigantine believed that exposure to the challenge of the sea-going lifestyle could benefit young people. From the beginning, ‘building character through adventure’ has been the primary objective of Brigs.
Having seen a documentary about the Norwegian Navy's sail training vessel "Christian Radich", they set out to provide the young people of southern Ontario with such an opportunity. They soon discovered such a program had recently started up in nearby Kingston, ON, the St Lawrence II, designed and built by Francis McLaughlin for his local sea cadet corps.
Our original vessel, STV Pathfinder, was commissioned in 1964 and TS Playfair joined the organization in 1973. Both were designed by Francis McLaughlin along similar lines to the St Lawrence II, and built in Kingston, ON. The names of the vessels derived from generous major gifts by the Playfair family, whose steam yacht "Pathfinder" had been cruising Georgian Bay for years. Donations and countless hours of volunteer labour built the ships and continue to run them to this day.
Since Brigs began, tens of thousands of young people from all walks of life have participated in our programs. By working together, sailing, and managing our square-rigged ships, these young people have discovered important lessons about life. More importantly, they’ve discovered themselves and a sense of purpose to something larger than themselves. They have learned how satisfying and rewarding it is to contribute to their community.
Our purpose is the provision of an environment, aboard ship and in the Winter Program, that fosters self-confidence, teamwork, responsibility, citizenship and leadership in youth and is financially accessible to any interested young person.
Brigs Youth Sail Training is pleased to be an Accredited Member of the Ontario Camps Association
