What Are All Those Tall Ships Doing Here?

VICTORIA, BC (May 30, 2011) – Over the first half of June, the Victoria Tall Ships Society will welcome several tall ships to the Inner Harbour to participate in its 2011 Educational Outreach Programme. A large part of the Victoria Tall Ships Society mandate is to facilitate opportunities for youth to experience sailing on a tall ship.

On June 1, the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain will take navy cadets from Victoria's Inner Harbour to Sidney. The cadets will also visit the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney.

On the weekend of June 10 to 12, Zodiac (the largest working schooner on the West Coast) and Adventuress (a gaff topsail schooner) will take groups of youth on day sails in and out of the Inner Harbour. The two schooners will join Victoria's own S.A.L.T.S. (Sail and Life Training Society) ships Pacific Grace and Pacific Swift in the Inner Harbour. The day sails for youth are made possible by the generous support of BC Ferries.

Says Roger Girouard, President of the Victoria Tall Ships Society, "A primary aim of the Society, perhaps overshadowed by the festivals, is to introduce young people to the lure of the sea, the magic of sail and the wonder of Tall Ships. Our goal is part education, part excitement. This year, we are working with diverse community groups including the Boys and Girls Club, First Nations youth and navy cadets, to offer a special opportunity to various kids deserving a unique experience. They're our future. They're worth it."

A publicly-accessible Tall Ships Festival has been postponed for this year, but is planned for the future.

The Victoria Tall Ships Society is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide a legacy for youth and the life lessons learned through sail training while promoting Victoria's rich maritime history. For further information on the Victoria Tall Ships Society, please visit  www.tallshipsvictoria.ca

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