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Speak with the director, staff, and campers from Brigs Youth Sail Training at the 2025 Camp & Program Expo on Feb 22 in Toronto.
Register for free now
We are a youth leadership program set aboard a Tall Ship, voyaging around Ontario and the Great Lakes. 13-18 year old trainees join our ship to learn practical sailing skills and teamwork, see beautiful nature, and have an adventure! Our sailing voyages are exciting, challenging, memorable, and fun, with a strong focus on teens teaching other teens.
Visit the Brigs Youth Sail Training website
The annual Our Kids Camp Expo, at Roy Thomson Hall, is a chance for families to meet 70+ camps of all stripes, such as day, overnight, adventure, sports, arts, and education.
We give young people authentic leadership opportunities by trusting them with real responsibilities and chances to learn from peer role models, in a real marine working environment - which makes our adventures especially exciting.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Brigs Youth Sail Training currently has 1 program available.
Filter activities available:
Overnight Camp
Coed Ages: 13 - 18 Traditional (multi activity) , Sailing/Marine Skills
$1 to $3,250
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Register online through our website! Deposit options are available. Spaces are limited, so early registration is a good idea, although we will accept registrations right up until voyage departure if space is available. Bursary support is available for a range of incomes.
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance | Yes |
Credit card payment | Yes |
Maximum installments available | 2 |
Discounts
Discount if paid early | 15% |
Discount for 2nd child | 10% |
Discount for 3rd child | $10 |
Discount for 4th child | $10 |
Scholarships & awards:
Total annual scholarship fund: $100,000 CAD
Pathfinder Access Fund
Amount: 100% | Deadline: Rolling |
Resiliency, teamwork, confidence, stewardship, empathetic leadership—time spent aboard a tall ship as part of crew is a means growing a range of skills and attributes. Certainly, the program was launched in 1962 with precisely those goals in mind, and they’ve been achieving them ever since. Participants become part of a crew of up to 28 members, and they travel to destinations within the Great Lakes. There’s a lot to see, and while Brigs perhaps doesn’t lead with it, geography and history are always close to hand. It’s exciting and unique, to be sure. It’s also expertly managed, the product of more than five decades of experience running youth programs in the region.
Three Things: Brigs Youth Sail Training
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Brigs Youth Sail Training
Summer 2021 Parent, Parent
Brigs is one of the most positive things in my child's life so far
"It will be one of the best experiences anyone can have"
I spent close to half an hour trying to put my experience at Brigs into words and ended up deleting what I had written. Writing does not do justice to the positive influence Brigs has had on every part of my life. I would ... Show More
"This program changed my entire life"
This program changed my entire life, the friends I met there I am still dear friends with. Am so glad that they are around still I cannot wait to send my children to Brigs.
Brigs is one of the most positive things in my child's life so far
Thank you for your time and guidance. Brigs is one of the most positive things in my child's life so far
"Years later they have a deep friendship and I feel Brigs had a huge role in this"
While at Brigs my kids learned how important teamwork was, they worked together with their crew mates to find solutions for big and small problems, invaluable skills I see them still put to use after all these years. Years... Show More
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the TS Playfair!
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the TS Playfair. Everyone there was supportive as I quickly gained an understanding on my role on the boat. We had many awesome opportunities, including sailing at night, furling the s... Show More
Not only did i learn to sail, i feel as though i grew as a person.
Not only did i learn to sail, i feel as though i grew as a person. Brigs is more than a trip or a course, its an experience i will never forget.
My time on the boat was so much fun and definitely worth doing
This was an amazing experience overall for me. The extreme conditions built my character and the group work brought out my leadership qualities. The gorgeous water and the north's beautiful nature brought out my passion fo... Show More
From Trainee to Crew Member
I’m not sure why I became interested in sailing, much less sailing tall ships, but after a year and a half I can honestly say that I don’t regret it one bit. In November 2018, I joined Brigs as a winter program trainee... Show More
Alex's Journey
I was a trainee on the TS Playfair two summers ago. Last summer, I was a Petty Officer and Cook. I like Brigs mostly because of companionship and the friends I made. You go through tough situations with many differen... Show More
Brigs Youth Sail Training can be so much more than an overnight sailing camp. It becomes a year round leadership development experience for those young people that the program touches and ignites a spark of passion in. It is honestly one of the most beautiful things to witness, when you see a young person get excited about a healthy hobby and it transforms them into a purpose-driven individual who gets encouraged by helping others and being part of a crew, while making personal accomplishments and developing character along the way. You don't have to take my word for it though, the best teacher is experience itself. You start by having them join us for an adventure this summer and if a flame of ambition takes hold please contact us about continuing through our winter program and becoming part of the crew.
Each year we have a variety of adventures to choose from where you can be immersed in the life of a sailor aboard a Tall Ship, our 72' vessel, the TS Playfair. Trainees come along to learn many terms, skills, and practices as they become Deck Hands. They are given a Log Book and go through various activities daily improving on their seamanship and interpersonal relationship skills along the way. An unforgettable journey is waiting for them with the opportunity to continue for years to come.
Trainees say our crew are helpful, supportive, and fun. Captains are marine professionals with a minimum five years experience. They are fully licensed by Transport Canada. All crew are trained and certified in Marine First Aid and Marine Emergency Duties. Our adult staff are alumni of our program who return to give back to the next generation! You might picture a grizzled old man as a sea captain - but most of our captains are young adults in their late twenties and thirties. Our crew are teenagers who have trained through our winter program, achieved multiple certifications, volunteered hundreds of hours towards ship maintenance, and receive leadership training.
Location | Address | Pick up | Drop off |
Office Drop off and Pickup | 208 Hillyard Street, Hamilton, ON, Canada | 9:30 am | Not provided |
Landscape
More details about property: Our program is delivered aboard a traditionally rigged Brigantine Tall Ship, the TS Playfair - we sail to various locations.
Is your property accessible for persons with disabilities? Please call to discuss.
Sleeping Accommodations
Amenities
Washrooms Facilities
More details about accommodations: Participants are accommodated aboard our traditionally rigged Tall Ship in a dorm style crew mess setting. It is fairly tight quarters. Washroom facilities are functional but not beautiful.
Are meals provided? Yes.
Is Brigs Youth Sail Training technology free? Yes. The use of personal cell phones is not permitted while on board the ship, but are allowed during time on shore for communication with friends and family. While aboard, all cell phones will be stored by the captain for safe keeping.
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Operating sail training programs since 1963, Brigs can deliver a range of experiences which challenge youth and adults alike to learn new skills, build confidence, work as a team and have an adventure!
By booking TS Playfair on one of our Group rates you will experience life on a Tall Ship. From the time you set foot on board, you will be a working member of the vessel's crew: standing watch, handling sail, steering the ship and living on board.
To inquire about group bookings, contact our office at [email protected]
Available for private rentals: Yes
Operating sail training programs since 1963, Brigs can deliver a range of experiences which challenge youth and adults alike to learn new skills, build confidence, work as a team and have an adventure!
By booking TS Playfair on one of our Group rates you will experience life on a Tall Ship. From the time you set foot on board, you will be a working member of the vessel's crew: standing watch, handling sail, steering the ship and living on board.
To inquire about group bookings, contact our office at [email protected]
"I thought all the staff were helpful and good natured. They demonstrated their knowledge in a clear fashion along with good leadership and organizational skills."
"I liked my course very much. I liked the fact that I was able to help steer and maneuver the boat. I enjoyed the people I met along the way. I found that the ship's staff were very helpful and friendly. Their skills and combined efforts made it into a great trip."
"I really loved the whole experience. I love sailing and thought that going aloft was really awesome! I also liked that we really helped crew the ship. I thought that the crew were all really amazing and helpful. Food was really good. I want to come back and will recommend it to a friend."
"It was fun times and lots of work, I loved the people and going and doing something I'd never done before."
"I think the course was great. Although challenging at times, it taught us about teamwork and trust. My favourite part was the staff, how funny and easy-going they were. Petty Officers were great at what they did, Watch Officers were great leaders. They taught us and prepared us rightfully for what was to be thrown at us."
"I would DEFINITELY recommend Toronto Brigantine to friend."
"Best trip ever! You guys shouldn't change a thing, good job, I'll miss you all!" "I would recommend the Toronto Brigantine to a friend because it's fun and always exciting."
"It was amazing, I learned so much, can't wait for more. Everyone was super nice and awesome."
"Officers were very good, funny, very knowledgeable and good at sailing."
"The staff was always there to help out and willing to teach you things you didn't know. They all had great leadership skills and each one was respectful and enjoyable to be around. The crew made the trip a great and fun experience, the food was also great!"
"I definitely would recommend this to a friend, it's a great experience and I would love to come back."
"I have definitely become a stronger person and made a lot of friends, which was nice."
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform.
Trusted by Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Brigs Youth Sail Training . They will be in touch with you shortly.
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform.
Trusted by Families since 1998.
Thank you for your interest in Brigs Youth Sail Training . They will send you information about this session:
Thank you for using Camps.ca —An Our Kids platform.
Trusted by Families since 1998.
Questions about Brigs Youth Sail Training ?