50 more years of sail training for youth on the Great Lakes

Aperçu:

2012 is the 50th anniversary of the founding of Toronto Brigantine Inc. and the "Old Lady" of our small fleet, the STV Pathfinder is approaching her 50th Birthday having been commissioned in 1964. Pathfinder must pass a Transport Canada inspection every 4 years to continue to be licenced to sail the open waters of the Great Lakes. This inspection is due this fall and Pathfinder must be pulled from the water for the inspection and work required . She's a tad tired and to ensure she passes inspection and is fit to sail in 2012 she will need approximately $150,000 in repairs and upgrades, including a "hull sounding" and some hull re-plating; We anticipate we will have to make improvements to meet Transport Canada`s damage stability requirements (damage stability is how much freeboard she will retain if any compartment completely fills with water). In order to meet damage stability requirements, the down below layout (Seaman`s Mess) will have to be changed by moving or adding bulkheads (watertight subdivisions). While we are doing these upgrades we would like to do other enhancements to further improve the safety of our fleet and we are seeking $150,000 to ensure that the Pathfinder is fit to sail for 50 more years. Toronto Brigantine Inc. (“TBI”) is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to building character in youth through sail training. This is accomplished through the delivery of challenging programs aboard our traditionally-rigged tall ships, with a focus on safety and the creation of positive and memorable experiences for trainees. TBI also endeavours to foster learning and the development of practical skills, the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices, and an appreciation of the rich marine heritage of the Great Lakes. TBI began in 1962. Our founding tenets were “development of leadership, discipline, and citizenship in a maritime environment”. TBI’s founders believed and we believe today that exposure to the challenge of the sea-going lifestyle will benefit young people. Our original vessel, STV Pathfinder, was commissioned in 1964 by former Governor General Vincent Massey and the TS Playfair joined the organization in 1973 (The Playfair was named and commissioned by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and today is the only vessel on the Great Lakes that was commissioned by a reigning monarch). From the beginning, ‘building character through adventure’ has been our primary objective. Since 1964, over 20,000 young people have participated in our character building 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. Each summer (June-September) TBI’s Brigantines visit ports around the Great Lakes. While the vessels are commanded by Transport Canada licensed Captains (the only adults aboard ship), the 9 Crew/Officers are seasoned teenagers who have 2-5 years experience sailing with TBI. Up to 10 trainees (aged 13–18) join the vessels for 5–12 day training courses. Officers, crew and trainees experience peer-to-peer chain of command based on experience and competence. Trainees are assigned to 1 of 3 rotating Watches, operating the ships on a 24/7 schedule. Trainees learn the basics of sail handling and seamanship from the Crew while experiencing the thrills and challenges of living and working aboard a tall ship. Sail training is a challenging and adventurous endeavour conducted aboard ships under sail. Living and working aboard a traditional square-rigged tall ship is a unique and compelling learning environment for the development of self-reliance, self esteem, teamwork, responsibility and leadership in young people. Trainees are placed in unfamiliar environments with unique demands and real life expectations. Trainees come from a variety of social/educational backgrounds but on our ships they`re on a level playing field. Each Trainee is expected to become a member of the working crew and contribute to the operation and safety of the vessel and his/her shipmates. The experience is genuine and the rules are those demanded by the task of sailing a complex vessel. TBI is a volunteer based organization expending 60,000 hours annually on programs and fundraising activities with only 3 paid positions (Captains and Program Coordinator) Participants in our program are referred from other youth services organizations (CAS, Native Children Services, E. York Youth Services and others). We look to build awareness of our program in underserviced neighbourhoods and provide access to youth who may be restricted by financial barriers, through our bursary program. We seek high-school students seeking an alternative to a more conventional summer camp environment, with opportunities for personal growth, the development of leadership skills, self esteem, self-reliance, skills in teamwork in challenging and exciting learning environment