During our spring sailing season this year, a significant challenge turned into a beautiful opportunity to grow a bursary partnership with a local organization: Take a Hike Foundation.

Take a Hike Foundation (TAH) is a charity based out of Vancouver that provides mental and emotional support to vulnerable youth through an alternate education setting. Their mission is to “empower youth with the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school, build healthy relationships, navigate the challenges of young adulthood, and achieve success – however they define it.”

Keep reading to hear how these trips impacted the students, leaders, staff, and crew from both organizations

A Few Berths Available!

We currently have a few spots for females available on our summer voyages, with more than one berth on Pacific Swift’s second and third 10-day trips of the summer if friends wish to sail together! We also have one male berth open on Trip 3 Pacific Swift. 

It’s our goal that finances not stand in the way of anyone who might benefit from a trip like this – to that end, there is bursary funding available for those who meet the eligibility criteria, and anyone applying for these trips is welcome to apply for funding as well.

If you are interested (or know anyone who might be), you can view trip dates, routes, availability, and the application form here

The first trip of the season aboard Pacific Grace.

Both boats enjoyed a variety of sailing conditions this spring, from flat calms with and without rain, to gales with enough wind for us crew to look enviously ashore at the “armchair sailors” warm and snug at home by the fire. During one five-day trip we were treated to four gales in five days, with three of the gales blowing over 50kts. It's never a dull moment! As well, both boats again enjoyed a variety of trips this year including many of our familiar schools, some of which have been with us for thirty years, and also some new groups that have set up valuable programs with youth at risk. 

Continue reading for more reflections on the spring from Skipper Tony

Professional Crew Opportunities:

Do you have a passion for youth ministry, love spending time outdoors, and want to sail on board a tall ship? Apply now to join the SALTS crew! Not much of a sailor? That’s okay – SALTS provides all training necessary to safely operate our ships and fulfill your role.

All crew members guide and mentor the young people who sail with us, and each role has an additional focus on areas like group leadership, ship maintenance, or cooking. SALTS operates two schooners based out of Victoria BC, and each year 1700 teens and young adults participate in our program as trainees, on 5-10 day trips in coastal BC waters. Training for professional crew roles is arranged and paid for by SALTS. Crew salaries range from $40K-$90K plus health benefits, and employment is year-round.

Shoreside Staff Opportunities:

We are also hiring a part-time permanent Finance Clerk to work approximately 20-30 hours/week. Compensation is in the range of $22-26/hour with paid vacation. Group benefits are offered if working 28+ hours/week. Work location is 451 Herald Street (some work-from-home may be possible after the training period, if desired). This person supports the Finance Manager by assisting with the processing of financial transactions and administration. Initial closing date for applications is July 23 but will be extended as late as August 13 if necessary. 

For more information on all positions and to apply, visit salts.ca/careers

A new deck box in the works!

When our ships head out to sea for the first time in March it means kids are out having fun and our boats are doing what they were built for. In the shop it means it’s time to move on to keeping the boats supplied and to clean up from a winter’s work.

We’ve made a few small improvements to the shop including some better storage, some upgrades to dust collection for the tools, some more lighting, and some accessories for the table saw.

In the shop Patrick has been building two new deck boxes for the Swift which are almost complete...

Continue reading to hear more stories from Chris and Patrick in the shop

There are currently some group trip vacancies this fall. If you are a teacher, administrator, or educator (or you know one), consider sailing with SALTS! In the spring and fall we take groups sailing on 5-day trips around the Gulf Islands in beautiful British Columbia. While on board, groups learn how to sail and navigate one of our traditional wooden tall ships, work together to run the ship, explore beaches and shorelines, and so much more. Our trips offer opportunities for leadership, new perspectives, growth, and connection for youth. At the time of sending, there are a limited number of trips available in September and October.

Check out our Group Sails page for more info!

"Every trip, and this was my 15th trip, you help me discover new things about myself and help me to be eager and motivated to return with my students. It is so motivating to me to see the crew pouring their heart and soul into our students. Thank you!"



-2022 Teacher

SALTS | 250-383-6811 | info@salts.ca | salts.ca

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