TBI is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building character in youth through sail training. This is accomplished through the peer-to-peer delivery of challenging programs aboard our traditionally-rigged vessels, 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.
Summer Program
Trainees join the ships for 7 – 14 day training courses, and are assigned to one of three rotating Watches, operating the ships on a 24-hour schedule. Trainees learn the basics of sail handling, seamanship, teamwork and leadership from the Crew members while experiencing the thrills and challenges of living and working aboard a tall ship.
As a trainee, no previous experience is required – the youth officers of TS Playfair and STV Pathfinder will teach you everything you need to know.
There are 3 simple requirements for the summer youth courses:
You can expect fun, challenge, and the memorable experience of sailing as part of the crew of a tall ship. You will sail day and night, and normally moor on every second or third day. During the day at sea there are training sessions, watch duty, and free time. Shore leave may be given during port visits to explore and enjoy some leisure time.
You’ll learn traditional seamanship skills such as: setting and dousing sail, tacking, gybing, wearing ship, shipboard terminology and procedures, knots, and helmsmanship. Safety procedures include man overboard and fire drills, reefing sail, and preparations for heavy weather.
Winter Program
The Officers get a great deal of their training during the Winter Program. Participants in the Winter Program have sailed on at least one summer course. The Program itself consists of training, lectures and work on the ships. Depending on the level of training obtained by the Officer, training includes such things as basic seamanship, first aid, emergency duties, and navigation. Work during the winter program involves the necessary winterizing, de-rigging, and re-rigging of the ships as well as painting, varnishing, and repairs.
The winter program begins in October following the completion of the summer sailing season and continues through to the next summer sailing season. Training and maintenance generally is on Friday evenings and Saturdays.
Participation in the winter program is required for promotion to one of the youth officer positions aboard our brigantines. Each participant in the winter program maintains a log book, and trainees that contribute the requisite number of hours in the winter program and have completed the required basic training may be promoted to petty officer. As a petty officer, you will sail on several summer courses responsible for one of the three watches of trainees. Participants that have sailed for a summer as a petty officer may be promoted to the wardroom where they are assigned to either Pathfinder or Playfair. Officers include the cook, bosun, three watch officers, and an executive officer or mate. In this capacity you will sail the entire summer contributing to the sail training courses offered by TBI.
*Please contact TBI or visit its website for further information (fees, schedules, registration, etc) or the latest updates.