Bytown Brigantine Inc.
2700 Queensview Drive
Ottawa, ON K2B8H6
Phone: (613) 596-6258
Fax: (613) 596-4335
Web: http://www.tallshipsadventure.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Welcome to the world of tall ship adventure! Bytown Brigantine Inc. is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to providing adventure experiences to people of all ages through traditional tall ship training and our Tall Ship Island Adventure Camp. Co-founded in 1984 by the late Captain Thomas George Fuller D.S.C.** M.I.D. R.C.N.V.R., Bytown Brigantine operates two traditional tall ship brigantines, S.T.V. Fair Jeanne and S.T.V. Black Jack. Today, through the generosity of Mrs. T. G. Fuller, and the Fuller Group of Companies, the organization operates the 87-foot Black Jack on the Ottawa River, and Fair Jeanne, a 110-foot worldwide voyaging brigantine. Supporting these two vessels are two traditional naval whaleboats used for expeditionary training under sail and oar. Accommodation and service barges support our 18-acre grouping of islands to form our Island Adventure Camp.

Captain Fuller believed in the character building potential of life at sea in a traditional sailing ship. Hence, Bytown Brigantine is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities for challenging and rewarding experiences that build leadership, character and self-esteem through adventure. He also knew just how much fun it is! Our trainees, young and old, come away from their tall ship experience with broad smiles, newfound friends and vows to return.

In fact, many return each year for different voyages that build on their new nautical skills and to rekindle the passion they find for life on a traditional sailing ship. For young people, Bytown Brigantine can become a year-round passion. In addition to our popular summer youth programs, we offer weekend training sessions twice a month throughout the winter as well as opportunities to volunteer as crew for special events.

Bytown Brigantine strives to provide the highest standard of adventure, education and traditional seamanship training in a safe environment. Built to be rigged like traditional 18^th century brigantines, they are modern in many respects, built of strong materials and carrying electronic navigation and emergency equipment. Working aloft or sailing aboard a brigantine can be dangerous and challenging. Overcoming and meeting these challenges can build tremendous character. Learning to live aboard ship in close quarters with your fellow mates will foster good citizenship and friendships to last a lifetime.

Bytown is committed to sponsoring a minimum of 1/5 of the trainee berths for socially and economically challenged youth. Bursary assistance, through the Captain Thomas G. Fuller Fund, may be available to applicants for the youth programs who have demonstrated needs. All together there are five sail training levels ranging from ordinary seaman to captain. Bytown is a member of the Canadian and American Sail Training Associations.