Salts SAILING TRIP INFORMATION:
DATES: October 3-6, 2023
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: Along with the crew and chaperones, students will be sailing on either the Pacific Swift in the protected waters of the Gulf Islands for 4 days. Although the ships are equipped with modern navigational equipment, they are sailed in the traditional way. Students will sail the ships as an historical venture, serving at all stations in turn and keeping each of the normal watches in a 24-hour cycle. Students will learn about sail handling, navigation, tides and currents, chart reading, dory handling and knot tying. Participants are expected to carry out all duties requested including helping with cooking, washing dishes, cleaning decks, etc. Students may have the opportunity to row a dory (a small rowing boat), explore the Gulf Islands on foot and swim in the ocean.
https://www.salts.ca/site/group-sails/trip-planner.html
TRIP PRE-REQUISITES: Students must be able to swim 25 meters.
SURCHARGE: There is a $350 surcharge for this trip
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The SALTS crew will provide activity-specific equipment (all sailing and marine safety equipment) for the group. The ship is also equipped with VHF radio and other emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. Yes, please try to borrow gear and clothing from friends and family first, but if you get stuck, we can help.
The following link will take you to the SALTS Packing List.
Please email craig.farish@smus.ca to request missing items (sleeping bags, rain jackets…). We will then bring those items to Crothall on Tuesday for you. We will also bring an assortment of rubber boots to Crothall on Tuesday morning for students to borrow.
ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics or phones on the outtrip. Guides will collect all electronics/phones and return them at the end of the trip. Guides are not responsible for any damage to devices on the trip.
For photography, if a student would like to bring a dedicated camera (digital, analogue, or disposable), they may bring that with them during the activity.
MEALS/FOOD: Students should NOT bring any food or snacks with them. All meals will be provided by the chef on board the ship.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the activity by school bus.
TRIP ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.
TBA: Pre-trip meeting in the Chapel
Day 1: Meet at CROTHALL at 9:30 am. Depart for Victoria Inner Harbour.
Day 1-4: Sailing in the Southern Gulf Islands.
Day 4: Sail back to Victoria Inner Harbour. Return to CROTHALL at 3:00 pm.
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in bunks in a shared sleeping space on the ship.
SAILING LOCATION: Typical sailing locations include the Southern Gulf Islands.
STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor guides/instructors to accompany the students on the trip. These guides/instructors have, at a minimum: Guiding experience, Experience working with similar groups, First Aid Certification. The sailing and instructional portion of the trip is run by SALTS staff, all of whom are rigorously trained and experienced with this type of trip with this type of group. More detail about the crew’s certifications and level of training can be found on this page: https://www.salts.ca/site/tall-ships/safety.html
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 1:8
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information. SALTS Crew has access to VHF radio and other pre-established means of marine emergency communications.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.