Salts SAILING TRIP INFORMATION:
DATES: October 1-4, 2024
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: Along with the crew and chaperones, students will be sailing on either the Pacific Grace 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
PREPARING FOR THE TRIP: (The following note is from the SALTS Staff and Crew)
Greetings!
We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard the Pacific Grace!
1. ALLERGY ALERT: Due to life-threatening anaphylactic allergies, this voyage will be PEANUT FREE. Please take care not to bring any products containing peanut on board (e.g. snack foods, skin care, hair care, etc.) and avoid handling or consuming any prior to boarding.
2. PACK YOUR DUFFLE BAG: Make sure to bring everything on the Group Trip Packing List. Remember that you need to stow it all on your bunk, so only bring what you need - but don’t skimp on warm layers as it is much cooler on the water than the temperatures on shore. If you are bringing any medication on board, make sure you bring twice as much as you expect to use in case of damage or loss while onboard.
3. SALTS MERCHANDISE: There will be an opportunity toward the end of the trip to buy SALTS branded merchandise during the ship’s store time. Payment by cash is preferred but we can also accept cheques payable to SALTS on board. Other than that, you shouldn't need any money while on board. If you'd like to pay with a credit card, call the office to pre-order and pay before your trip. Other than during the on-board store, merch orders cannot be taken during the trip. Merch can be purchased after your trip by calling the office or emailing info@salts.ca
4. PREPARE TO BE A TRAINEE: You will quickly recognize and become comfortable with the terms and routines on board if you take some time to review the Sailor’s Handbook for the Pacific Grace; download a copy from the Group Trip Planner page of our website. If you’ve sailed with SALTS before, be sure to bring your log book to show your requirements achieved and work toward the next certificate level.
5. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROTOCOL: Prior to departing from home, it's important that you perform a careful self-assessment for symptoms of any communicable disease and stay home if you feel sick or have new or worsening symptoms. Health assessments will also be verified at the dock and no one who is unwell will be permitted to board the ship. While staying home would be a huge disappointment, being denied boarding and the expense of an unexpected return trip home is something we don't want anyone to go through.
If a trainee develops symptoms during the trip, they will need to wear a mask, the severity of their condition will be monitored, and steps will be taken to prevent the spread of illness. As always, if it is necessary for you to disembark early for any reason - including illness, injury, misconduct, family emergency, etc. - your emergency contact(s) will be notified and a plan for safe transfer of care will be arranged.
6. BOARDING & DISEMBARKING: Once on board you will have a check-in interview with the crew and receive your watch assignment. You will then stow your gear on your bunk and begin sail training with ship orientation and safety procedure lessons. Each watch group will rotate through the different duty stations prior to the ship departing from the dock.
7. FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON SHORE: If any friends or family want to wish you “bon voyage” and wave farewell, let them know that the ship is not expected to leave the dock until three or four hours after you board. The ship's course and occasional blog posts from the crew can be viewed on our website at Locate Pacific Grace.
Fair winds!
SALTS Staff and Crew
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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…).
ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics, cell phones or headphones/earbuds 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. This is especially important to avoid impacting others with allergies. This is a nut/peanut free trip. Please do not bring or send any food or snacks on the trip. 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.
Sept 17: Pre-trip meeting during Community time
Day 1: Meet at CROTHALL at 9:30 am. Depart for Ship Point (Victoria harbour)
Day 1-4: Sailing in the Southern Gulf Islands.
Day 4: Sail back to Ship Point (Victoria 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.