In This Issue
Destination Profile: The Inside Passage
Bursary Partners Announced
Boats for Sale - NEW
Quick Links
  
  
Track the Ships - NEW
 
You can now track the ships online throughout the sailing season and read excerpts from the Captain's log. Visit www.salts.ca and click on the links to 'Locate Pacific Grace' and 'Locate Pacific Swift'.
  
   

A Celebration
     

 In 1974, an intrepid group of dedicated volunteers and sailors established what has become the SALTS Sail and Life Training Society. Forty years later, their dream continues with over 1700 young people each year participating in life changing programs aboard the Pacific Swift and Pacific Grace. SALTS is delighted to celebrate our 40th Anniversary this year. Keep your eyes open for news of a 40th Anniversary event planned for this fall!

And They're Off ... 

 

With groups of excited young people from schools in Calgary and Abbotsford aboard, the Pacific Swift and Pacific Grace departed Victoria's harbour on March 10 for the start of the 2014 sailing season (pictured above). Over the course of the season, these ships will be home to students and leaders from over 31 schools, and in the summer, to over 250 young people from throughout Canada and the USA, and as far afield as Russia and France!
 

      

This year, the crew aboard the Pacific Grace (above) includes Captain Tony Anderson, First Mate Sam Vaale, Watch Officer Elske Vaale, Bosun Aron Koehn and Cook Sarah Gray.
  
The crew aboard the Pacific Swift (below) includes Captain Tristan Hedley, First Mate Rebecca Hedley, Watch Officer Alicia Kear, Bosun Jeremiah Henshaw and Cook Cayla Coleman. 
  
  
 
 SALTS in the Winter
  
Even though we're not sailing November through February, SALTS is busy during the winter! From winter maintenance projects and annual ship haul outs to crew training and strategic planning, there's a lot that happens to get ready for the sailing season! 
  
Left: Patrick, SALTS Shop Foreman, works to square off the Pacific Swift's new Douglas Fir foremast that was shaped and prepared at the SALTS shop in January. 
  
  
  
  
  
  

SALTS Destination Profile: The Inside Passage  

 

Above: Pacific Grace sailing through Knight Inlet.
Photo by Levi Allen of Left Coast Visuals.
The Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia is well known for its amazing mix of beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and sailing opportunities. "It offers a little bit of everything," explains SALTS Captain John. "From the warm, turquoise waters of Desolation Sound through to the wilderness and beauty of the north Island." This summer, one of the 10-day trips offered by the Pacific Grace and
Pacific Swift will be through the Inside Passage departing from Victoria and disembarking in Port Hardy. There are a few berths for youth age 13 - 25 remaining on several trips this summer - to reserve a berth or to have your name added to a waitlist, complete the summer registration form at www.salts.ca.
  
Above: Pacific Whitesided Dolphins put on a show as a mega-pod of 300+ travel past the Pacific Swift. Photo by Sam Vaale.
Above: A young trainee learns to fish from the bow of the Pacific Grace north of the Broughton Islands.

 

  

 

SALTS Bursary Partners Announced for 2014 

   

Above: Trainees who benefit from the services and programs of the Cridge Centre for the Family learn to raise sail during a four-day group bursary trip in 2013.

Each year, in addition to our bursary program for individual young people, SALTS offers several not-for-profit organizations that serve youth and families a full bursary for a berth on a SALTS summer trip. The organization selects a young person who benefits from their services and who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to participate in a SALTS voyage. "This trip was one of the most incredible things I have ever done in my entire life," writes the 2013 recipient of the SALTS Bursary to the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria. "I will forever be thankful for the kindness and contribution of those that made this possible."

   

This year SALTS is pleased to be able to extend our bursary partnerships to over 12 organizations that include:

Above: First Mate Sam and a trainee with Power to Be inspect the day's catch aboard the Pacific Swift.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria
  • 1Up Single Parent Resource Centre
  • Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society
  • Boys & Girls Club of Victoria
  • Extreme Outreach Society
  • Community of Ucluelet
  • Community of Port Hardy
  • Victoria Native Friendship Centre
  • UK Sail Training (ASTO)
  • Three communities in the central coast and Haida Gwaii

 

In addition, SALTS is pleased to offer a full bursary this year for a four-day group trip in the southern Gulf Islands to the Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society - a charity that provides adventure-based programs for youth and families that need support. SALTS is delighted to partner with these organizations that are doing amazing work among young people in communities where SALTS operates. These connections with youth wouldn't be possible without the generous contributions of The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, and the many donors that have contributed to the SALTS Bursary Fund over the years. 

 

 

SALTS Member Update 
  

If you missed our Annual Meeting of SALTS Members and Friends which was held on February 27, we've posted the meeting minutes and financial statements at www.salts.ca/member.
  
Boats for Sale at SALTS - NEW
  
Check out the latest inventory of boats for sale in the Boat Donation Program. The proceeds from the sale of these vessels will help fund our sail training programs for youth aboard the tall ships Pacific Swift and Pacific Grace. 
    
 Left: 37' Sea Ray 370 Sedan Bridge Cruiser "This L'Do" ~ $70,000

1991 cruiser in excellent condition! New in 2001, twin 340 HP Mercruisers. Forward stateroom with ensuite vacuum head & shower. Private guest cabin leads into well appointed galley and bright salon with lower control station. Well equipped upper helm station great for entertaining and navigating.
    
         
  
"Polaris III" ~ $60,000
  
A fine example of a locally (Sidney, BC) built cruiser. Spacious accommodations and robust build make her well suited for coastal cruising or a comfortable live-aboard. Twin CAT 3160s and Onan Genset. Two large berths in aft stateroom, two heads, roomy salon, bright galley and 3-berth forward cabin. Espar forced air heat allows for year-round cruising/living. She has been well cared for over her years and is ready to go!
  
  
  
To view these and other boats for sale through the SALTS Boat Donation Program, visit
www.salts.ca/buy a boat or call the SALTS Office at 250-383-6811.  
  
Warm thanks to the generous donors that donated these vessels to SALTS! For information about how you can donate your boat to support the work of SALTS and receive a tax receipt, contact David Eggert at 250-383-6811.

If you enjoy seeing beautiful photos such as the ones above, "like" the SALTS Facebook Page so they show up weekly in your news feed or follow SALTS on Twitter. To get in touch with us, reply to this email or call our office at 250.383.6811. Thank you for your support as we "train young people, by the sea, for life".
  
Yours aye,
Loren Hagerty, Executive Director and the SALTS Crew