The foundation of our program stretches back to one young teenager who stubbornly believed that he could take a lonely and unused sailing ship, refit the vessel into active duty and then sail it to Quebec City with a youth crew to participate in an international tall ship event.

It would be easy to see how this could be an epic sea story written somewhere in the pages of a fictional tale, but Simon Fuller, after recruiting youth from around his neighbourhood and selling them on the idea of setting sail for Quebec City, took a rag tag motley crew of boys and girls and an idle brigantine out of Britannia and turned them into top-notch seafarers ready for adventure on a Bristol ship named Black Jack.

Our founder, Simon Fuller, stood before the tall ship SV Black Jack as a teenager and dreamed of adventure under sail. He believed that young people, with the right support, determination, practice and resolve could achieve the loftiest of goals and the highest of responsibilities regardless of age. He then proved it as the SV Black Jack sailed into Quebec City and joined a fleet of magnificent ships from around the world.

Bytown Brigantine Inc. is a product of the spirit, imagination and tenacity of youth but its foundation lies solidly on the young-at-heart; the parents, grandparents and guardians who allowed them to explore their potential through watchful eyes, gentle nudges and (sometimes) baited breath. Simon Fuller would not have been able to reach Quebec City without the support of his family and guidance of his father who taught Simon that a good sailor requires both strength of character and top-notch seamanship skills.

For over 25 years Bytown Brigantine Inc. has been an organization for youth, run by youth. Our ships and programs operate and depend on their vision, commitment and elbow grease. We uphold the highest standards of safety and serve to inspire by fostering the growth and development of leadership, confidence and self-reliance.

As a testament to the ideals held and displayed by Simon Fuller as a young boy, and in tribute to his father, the late Captain Thomas Fuller, owner of SV Black Jack and builder of SV Fair Jeanne and renowned “Pirate of the Adriatic” during the 2nd World War, Mrs. T.G. Fuller and the Fuller family generously support Bytown Brigantine through annual capital contributions to both training ships.

 
Bytown Brigantine Inc. is a registered charity and exists through the commitment and dedication of its volunteers.