News Archive
SALTS tall ship voyage
Sailing the Pacific Swift
They piloted a ship through stormy waters and shared the experience of a lifetime.
19 Shawnigan students set sail from Victoria's inner harbour on Tuesday, embarking on a four-day journey aboard the Pacific Swift.
Owned and operated by the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS), the Pacific Swift is a 34-metre Tall Ship that provides "Training, by the sea, for life!"
The Shawnigan crew was split into port, starboard and bow watches, and took over the running of the ship; from raising sails, steering, launching dories and exploring nearby islands to serving meals and washing up. The three groups were even on anchor watch throughout the night.
After a sunny and peaceful start, the group then ended the trip while facing wild ocean conditions from three major storms that hit the south side of Vancouver Island.
"It was an unforgettable experience," says Deputy Headmaster Barry Welsh, one of four Shawnigan teachers who chaperoned the voyage. "Outdoor Pursuits is all about placing students in unusual and challenging environments and helping them to learn the skills to not only cope, but succeed whilst having a great deal of fun," he says, adding "The stormy weather only made it more of an adventure. Our students will remember, with affection, being up on deck in heavy seas, as we battled our way back into the safety of Victoria Harbour."
Photos by Barry Welsh and Jenny Ferris. Video by Ms. Jenny Ferris.
Photos by Barry Welsh and Jenny Ferris. Video by Ms. Jenny Ferris.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
