Our Founder
Thomas George Fuller
Bytown Brigantine Inc. was founded by the
late Captain Thomas G. Fuller, D.S.C.** M.I.D.
R.C.N.V.R., who demonstrated throughout his life, the principles of self
reliance, initiative and resourcefulness that lie at the core of Bytown's
programs.
Captain Fuller was a highly decorated naval
officer who participated in the Second World War under four different navies.
He held the distinction of the longest amount of time spent in offensive
action by a Canadian. He earned the name “Pirate of the
Adriatic” for his Nelson-like tactics that revolutionized small boat
warfare during his exploits in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
Commanding a squadron of motor torpedo boats, he was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross on three occasions.
Following the war, Capt. Fuller built his
construction and real estate business into one of Canada's most successful
enterprises. He also found time to convert the steam tug G. B. Pattee II into
the magnificent square rigger Black Jack in 1952.
The Fair Jeanne was
designed and built by Capt. Fuller at his home in Britannia-on-the-Bay in Ottawa. The keel
was laid in 1978 and she was launched in 1980. Fair Jeanne was sailed by Capt. Fuller and
his wife, Jeanne, (now patron of Bytown) in the Caribbean and to his old haunts in the
European Seas.
The Fuller Family founded Bytown Brigantine Foundation in
1984 utilizing the brigantine Black Jack. After 14 years of faithful service to the family
the Fair Jeanne was brought into service, allowing Bytown to expand its program and offer
offshore sail training.
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