Bursaries are Making a Difference   

This year, thanks to the generosity of donors near and far, over $84,000 has been distributed by SALTS as bursaries for young people who wouldn't otherwise be able to participate in SALTS voyages. Special thanks to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for their generous gift of $500,000 over five years for bursaries in SALTS programs. 

Photo by Gillian Trotter

A bursary recipient explains our sentiments best:

"On SALTS, I have met some of the most interesting people, and have made fantastic friends. I have seen some of the most beautiful things. I have sung songs at great volume and eaten mouth-watering treats. I have been challenged, and I have gained strength. I have laughed so hard that my stomach ached and tears sprung from my eyes. Every. Single. Day.  And you are the people who helped me, and so many others, experience these things that make life so special. So thank you. And thank you and thank you again."

Destination Profile: The North Island & West Coast

For many years, SALTS ships have circumnavigated Vancouver Island each summer with the final two trips of the summer involving exploration and adventure through the north end and west coast of the Island. "So much of the north and west coast is right in our backyard but few people get to experience it because it's largely only accessible from the water," explains Captain Tristan Hedley. "The wildlife and scenery we see on these trips is breathtaking. It's often on these trips that trainees get their first taste of open ocean sailing ... there's nothing like looking west and seeing nothing but ocean as far as the horizon."  Some favourite sites to visit on these trips include Triangle Island, the white sand beaches of Brooks Peninsula, Cougar Annie's Garden and the hot springs in Clayoquot Sound, and the islands of Barkley Sound.  
 

Top Left:  The west coast offers trainees a taste of open ocean sailing along with opportunities to explore an amazing and remote coastline. Above: Trainees visit a fog-shrouded Triangle Island.  This remote ecological reserve off the northern tip of Vancouver Island has some of the largest and most diverse seabird colonies in BC. Left: Captain John Andrachuk and crew celebrate landing this 35lb Lingcod on the west coast of the Island. Feasts of freshly caught snapper, halibut, salmon and prawns are often on the menu on board ship.

Help us Celebrate 40 Years of Youth Mentorship   

SALTS is delighted to celebrate 40 years of youth mentorship this year!  From the countless volunteers and donors who have invested in projects and programs over the years to the thousands of young lives that have forever been impacted by voyages aboard our tall ships, there is much to celebrate. 

ABOVE: In 1986, the newly built Pacific Swift ties up alongside the Spirit of Chemainus and the Robertson II in Victoria's inner harbour. All three ships, in addition to the Pacific Grace that was completed in 2001, have been used by SALTS for sail training programs for young people.

Please join us on

Sunday, August 31

from 4:00 - 5:30pm for a 40th Anniversary Garden Reception

at St. Ann's Academy 

Trip logbooks and memorabilia will be on display. 

RSVP is required as space
is limited. Please RSVP to 250-383-6811

or [email protected]
before August 12.

What's Happening with the New Schooner? 

A charitable donation of company shares or stocks can be eligible for a tax refund, like a cash donation would. But the benefits go one step further - a direct donation of shares can also allow the donor to avoid capital gains tax that may be payable if the shares were sold. Canadians and Americans are blessed with significant financial incentives to support the work of charities. We're in particular need of stock or cash donations this year because it has been a very slow year for boat donations, which are usually a significant source of our funding. We'd be glad to discuss your giving options with you - contact us at 250.383.6811 or [email protected].

Left: 27' Catalina "Winsome"~ $6,000

Below: 24' Limestone Express Cruiser "Cutty Shark" ~ $24,000

In excellent shape and lives up to its sterling reputation as an all-weather cruiser. Built in Canada, this sporty and hardy boat will handle most anything that comes its way. Efficient design allows for roomy berth and private head. Well maintained, 260 HP Mercruiser V-8 with new stern drive leg in 2006. A must see and ready to enjoy!