Background

Atlantic Challenge Canada offers experiential education programs for youth across Canada from its home base at the Bayport Yachting Centre, on the shores of Georgian Bay. We offer seamanship opportunities for youth which include rowing and sailing outings and weekend or week long expeditions. Participants are also encouraged to visit and explore the Discovery Harbour site in nearby Penetanguishine, home of the historic Naval Establishment and the 19th century ships Tecumseth and Bee. A five week residential program takes place every second year in preparation for the International Contests of Seamanship. In 1998 Canada placed first at these international contests in Roskilde Denmark. Our former Prime Minister, Jean Chrйtien recognized the achievements of these participants.

We utilize two 38’ replica 18th century French longboats for our programs. The reproductions are of the oldest surviving vessel in the French Navy and are often referred to as the Bantry boat since it was captured there in Bantry, Ireland on Christmas Eve 1796. Vitalité, the first longboat, was built in 1991 by Charlie Allen, a shipwright at Discovery Harbour and volunteers from Atlantic Challenge. The second gig, Tenacité, was constructed by Atlantic Challenge Canada youth and adult volunteers and was launched in the spring of 1994.

We also use the Lester F. Hall, a replica double ended Block Island Cowhorn schooner. Cowhorns were very seaworthy working sailboats utilized both winter and summer in the 1800s on Block Island Sound. “Lester” was built by our sister organization, Atlantic Challenge USA, at their apprenticeshop in Maine and presented as a gift in 1995.

Atlantic Challenge Canada encourages youth to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program as part of their Atlantic Challenge experience.

Able Sail

Atlantic Challenge Canada is proud to be a founding sponsor of a local Able Sail program for youth and adults with mobility impairments. Through determination and hard work of volunteers and the use of a 20’ Freedom Independence originally donated to Atlantic Challenge, the Able Sailing program began on Georgian Bay in 2001.

This specially equipped sailboat is designed to provide a safe environment for participants with disabilities where they may learn how to sail with qualified staff. The program, which is currently being run by the Midland Bay Sailing Club, is part of a larger group of Able Sail programs throughout Ontario and Canada using a variety of boats.

For more information about an Able Sail program in your neighbourhood, please contact the Ontario Sailing Association.