Over 30 years ago I had the good fortune of sailing on the brigs. I was 16, athletic, ambitious, curious and a bit bored. I ached for independence and adventure – the suburban ravine system and my banana bike no longer held the appeal that it once did. Fortuitously, my mom found out about the boats and scrimped and saved enough to get me enrolled in what would become the beginning of that delicate, but ultimately successful, transition from a somewhat grumpy, dependent teenager to self-assured, confident young adult. I met an extraordinary array of young people on the brigs – aspiring leaders, thinkers, malcontents, over-achievers, athletes, poets and pranksters. I felt instantly at home – what teenager doesn’t feel like a misfit at their core? Nobody knew anyone else, and yet we all instantly seem to fit like family. The hard work of keeping the sails trimmed and everything ship shape welded us together in a joyful state of exhaustion, adventure and constant learning. The boys were no better than the girls, coming from money didn’t get you out of swabbing the deck, and triumphantly pulling together to get to that ice cream cone on the other side of the lake was a conquest worthy of the earliest trans-Atlantic explorers. I found more than my sea-legs on the brigs, I found a belief in myself and others that launched me outwards and upwards.
–
Jane Farrow, Executive Director – Jane’s Walk

Once again the Yachtsmens’ Spring Thaw Luncheon provided an outstanding venue and support for TBI. Great many thanks go to Marjorie Patterson, chief organizer, and the YSTL Committee for their commitment. The funds raised will support our Bursary Fund and broaden access to the Programs for children who otherwise would not have the means to participate.  Thank you very, very much In the photograph Officers: Liam Fraser,  Celine Moore, Riley King and Tasha Hyndman with the Treasurer of Tall Ship Youth Trust, Ms. Beryl Tidd.



This year Canadian Navy is celebrating 100 years of service.

Throughout the year various activities are arranged nationwide, including parades, dinners, exhibitions, a cross-country run along the Canada Trail and other projects in cooperation with local municipalities and local naval service groups.

On May 4, 1910, the Department of Naval Service was authorized under the Minister of Marine and Fisheries. A naval college is founded in Halifax to provide training in naval science for the prospective officers.

Being one of the participating cities, Toronto will host several events for the Centennial. On the occasion of the Canadian Naval Centennial on 4 May 2010, the CN Tower will be illuminated in the Navy colours. In August Naval Warships will also be visiting the Canadian National Exhibition.

National Canadian Naval Centennial Travelling Road Show will stop in St. Catharines, Hamilton, and Barrie on May 12, 16, and 17 correspondingly.

The official website of Canadian Naval Centennial is listing a complete schedule of all events devoted to such significant page of our history.

Did you know that our Programs qualify for the achievement of

the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Awards?

Yes, indeed!

Follow this link: http://www.dukeofed.org/

and get the benefit of both fabulous opportunities.