Each year, approximately 1700 young people (ages 13-24) join professional crew members aboard SALTS’ two schooners, the Pacific Grace and the Pacific Swift, for a life-changing sail training experience. Trainees adventure along the BC coast as they build a close on board community, experience the natural world around them, and learn how to sail a traditional tall ship.

During their voyage with SALTS, youth have the opportunity to develop teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills while learning how to actively participate in sailing the ship. As they take on chart work, navigation, raising and lowering sails, steering the ship, and more, they also build community with their fellow trainees while eating, laughing, and working together. Individuals can sign up to sail in the summer on 10-day trips, which circumnavigate Vancouver Island and travel the West Coast of BC. Schools and other groups can set sail in the spring and fall on 4- and 5-day trips among the southern Gulf Islands.

SALTS strives to provide equitable opportunities to youth of all backgrounds, which is done through their bursary program and through partnerships with other organizations that serve youth so that those who would not otherwise be able to sail can climb aboard.