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Monday 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm Thursday 9am - 4:30pm Friday 9am - 4:30pm

SALTS Sail and Life Training Society

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Victoria, BC
SALTS Sail and Life Training Society

We help young people grow by challenging them through tall ship sailing, mentorship, and community

08/25/2026

It's crazy to think that the third summer trip has already ended and the fourth is underway! Trip 3 was filled with awe-inspiring views and many wildlife sightings. During the Swift's trip down the west coast of Vancouver Island, sunfish were spotted from aloft by some crew and a second one later during their sail. They also got to see Puffins skittering across the top of the swells. Meanwhile the Pacific Grace was navigating back to Port Hardy from Haida Gwaii and experienced a unique es**rt, with six to eight whales in sight at different points of the compass. They enjoyed home cooked meals by Heather, the cook on board, and visited idyllic white sand beaches with "icing sugar" like sand, turquoise water and stunning offshore rock outcroppings. We can't wait to hear about all of the stories that come from the fourth and final trip of the summer. Anchors a'weigh!

Photos: 1 - David Eggert, 3 and 4 - Emi Kelly-Bodie

08/05/2026

Summer is flying by and so are our trips! Our second set of summer trips came to a close last week, with both ships docking in different areas. The Pacific Grace in Haida Gwaii while the Pacific Swift docked in Port Hardy after their 10-day journey north from Victoria.

These trips were packed with fun, learning, and breathtaking scenery. Trainees enjoyed refreshing swimming spots, viewing wildlife, and the ships rafting up for games and singing together. Trainees also completed their lessons and took times to reflect on what they'd learned. Scenic highlights included stunning waterfalls, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets.

Our third set of summer trips begin on Thursday! We look forward to hearing stories from the youth on board these trips when they return!

Photo credit: 1-3 + 5 Sonia Crawshaw

07/30/2026

Our summer sailing season is in full swing!

Our first 10-day trips of the year wrapped up on the July 18th and our trainees disembarked with many stories to tell from their time on the water and exploring BC’s coast.

Both ships set out on a Salish Sea adventure that took them on similar routes but had them disembarking in different locations. They sailed through the waters of Desolation Sound and the Strait of Georgia, and then the Grace traveled up to Port Hardy while the Swift sailed back to our dock in Victoria.

Throughout the trips, there were many opportunities to set sail, and lessons about sails, chart work, and rules of the road were taught. There were times of hiking, reading, making friendship bracelets, swimming and games. Both ships were treated to orca and humpback whale sightings!

One evening the ships were able to “raft up” alongside each other at anchor so that the trainees from both ships could enjoy waterfalls, go for an evening dip, and end the day all together with singing and laughter during mug up.

Trainees enjoyed sharing with one another and the sense of camaraderie that developed within their floating communities during their 10 days at sea.

Trip 2 began last Thursday, and we can’t wait to hear about all their adventures when they come back!

Photo credit: 1, 2 & 3 - Emi Kelly-Bodie

07/23/2026

Boat for sale to support SALTS programs! Meet “Panacea II,” a classic Kettenburg K‑38.

Port Orford Cedar on oak frames, Yanmar diesel, roller‑furling genoa, windlass, GPS, VHF, depthsounder, dinghy. Hauled & surveyed June 2026. This elegant and well-kept classic is ready for its next chapter — available now to purchase, with proceeds supporting SALTS youth sail training. Link https://www.salts.ca/buy-a-boat/38-kettenburg-k-38.html

This boat, and other generously donated vessels, are part of our boat donation program, which helps fund our youth mentorship programs! SALTS arranges and pays for a third-party appraisal, the donor receives a tax receipt for the vessel's appraised value, and the proceeds help send young people on SALTS' sail training voyages!

If you’re interested in learning more about this vessel or our boat donation program, visit the links in our bio! There have been multiple new listings this year, with more on the way!

07/21/2026

Today we honour and remember Julia, a treasured friend, shipmate, and member of the SALTS community whose impact will be felt for years to come.

Julia Arwen Clark Smith (née Clark, born April 8, 1971) passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Julia is lovingly remembered by her husband, Craig, whom she met in 1992 while sailing offshore with S.A.L.T.S. (Sail and Life Training Society) aboard the Pacific Swift, and their children, Sebastian, Paulina, and Hugo.

She is known by thousands in the sailing community as a former Swiftie, watch officer, assistant cook, daughter of Martyn and Margaret Clark, and a steady presence at sailing events and reunions. Her infectious laugh and vibrant spirit continue to fill our sails, and we remain deeply grateful to have known such a beautiful person, friend, shipmate and “Saltie”.

Julie's obituary can be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/north-vancouver-bc/julia-smith-12925566

07/16/2026

Summer Sailing season has started!

After spring sailings with school groups and our first summer 5-day trip under our belt, our ships have set off for their first 10-day trip of the summer. Pacific Grace has headed up island through Desolation Sound, towards Port Hardy, while Pacific Swift is travelling through Desolation Sound towards Vancouver and eventually ending up back in Victoria. Along the way, everyone on board has had chances to see some beautiful sunsets and sunrises, they've had opportunities to connect with new friends, swim, eat freshly prepared homemade meals and participate in sailing lessons. We're excited to hear all about their adventures when they return.

Photo 2- Jordyn Breland, photo 3 - Madeline Anderson

06/08/2026

Happy World Ocean's Day from the SALTS staff and crew 🌊!!

Today we're grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the beauty that surrounds us where we live, visit, and sail. From the vast oceans and towering forests to the wonders along every coastline, we’re constantly inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds our ships, crews, and trainees. As we marvel at breathtaking landscapes, watch sunrises and sunsets over the water, and enjoy sightings of coastal animals, we're also reminded of our responsibility to do our part in protecting this beautiful ecosystem.

Photos taken by: 1- Madeline Anderson, 2- Kevin Murdoch, 3- Sam W. 4-Aly Engelsjord

05/22/2026

The search for the next Executive Director of SALTS is underway! We are grateful to be supported in the search by Nelson/Kraft, a Canadian executive search firm. They have put together a wonderful summary of the role:

"The ED of SALTS is the Society’s chief executive leader, entrusted with stewarding a purpose-driven mission that transforms young lives through sail training, character development, and service at sea. Accountable to the SALTS Board of Directors, the ED provides overall leadership for the organization’s vision, strategy, culture, and operational performance, ensuring that SALTS fulfills its mission with integrity, excellence, and faithfulness."

Location: Victoria, BC

Applications are open until June 23, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is found. If you or anyone you know might be a good fit for the role, more information and the application link can be found at https://lnkd.in/grTSjdQX

To Nelson/Kraft and the entire SALTS community, thank you for navigating this next chapter with us!

Photo credits: Tristan Hedley 1 & 5

05/04/2026

The SALTS Board of Directors wishes to share that long time Executive Director Loren Hagerty has given notice that his last day at the helm of the organization will be May 15, which also marks his twentieth anniversary in the role.

Loren has served the Society with diligence, wisdom, and gifted leadership. We are deeply grateful for his immense contribution to our mission and to the approximately 1,700 youth we serve each year. Loren is leaving SALTS to assume a new role in business and operations management at Pacific Christian School.

The Board has retained executive search firm Nelson/Kraft & Associates to lead the search for SALTS’ next Executive Director. In the meantime, Board Chair Sarah Meyer has resigned from the Board to serve as full-time Acting Executive Director on a temporary basis. Sarah knows the organization well, having previously served in both staff and crew roles.

As Board Vice Chair, I have assumed the role of Chairperson during Sarah’s staff appointment, which we expect to last approximately three to four months. We are grateful to Sarah for her flexibility and willingness to step in where needed during this transition, and look forward to her bringing her perspective, steadiness, and wisdom to this role as we navigate the change as a community.

SALTS’ programs and operations will continue as planned throughout this leadership transition.

The Executive Director position profile and job posting will be published on the Nelson/Kraft & Associates website when available.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, crew, and Society members, we thank Loren for providing a steady hand at the tiller for SALTS for the past twenty years, and we look ahead with confidence and hope to the Society's next chapter.

Sincerely,

Daniel Cu***ng
Chairperson, Board of Directors
SALTS Sail and Life Training Society

04/27/2026

Registration opens TODAY AT 1PM on our website (https://www.salts.ca/sail-with-us/day-sails/public-day-sails.html) for our 2026 Public Day Sails! Spots for these day trips can fill fast, so submit your trip request quickly for the best chance of sailing!

2026 Public Day Sail Dates:

Friday May 15
Saturday May 23
Sunday September 6
Monday September 7

Cost: $125/person ($100/person for current SALTS members!)
Location: Victoria, BC

PS: If you are a current educator of grades 8-12, we have an Educator Day Sail coming again this fall – sign up on our website to be notified when registration for that sailing opens!

📸: 1 & 3 Tina Bergum, 2 John Gaucher

Address

451 Herald Street
Victoria, BC
V8W3N8

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12503836811

Website

http://www.salts.ca/

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