
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find our packing list here.
Yes, however it will be handed in and stored with the captain while underway and can be used during shore leave.
Yes. Our cooks are able to accommodate participants who are vegetarian, have a nuts and seeds allergy as well as gluten intolerances. Just let us know in advance so that our cooks have time to make the proper meal preparations.
Don't worry. Eating is an important part of the voyage. Simply let the cook know and they can provide you with something else.
Yes. No one should leave the table still feeling hungry. If there aren’t anymore leftovers, the cook can get you some snacks.
No. All food must be kept in the galley. Trainees are not to bring their own food unless pre-arranged due to specific individual food restrictions.
No. You do not need any prior sailing experience to participate in one of our camps. The crew members are there to teach you everything you'll need to know and more!
No. If you would rather keep your sailing experience on deck and no higher that is perfectly fine. However, this is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and reach new heights!
There's lot's to do aboard our ships, you'll never be bored on board! Basic tasks include dishes, cleaning the ship and setting the sails. For trainees who wish to expand their knowledge and gain experience with more complex tasks, step up and don't be shy! Whether it's helming the ship, working in the engine room, cooking in the galley or competing ship's logs, trainees can do it all.
Of course! Trainees will have free time when they are off watch and can do as they wish whether it's work on their log book levels, read a book, nap or chat with a friend.
How much money you should bring will depend on the duration of your trip. Trainees are encouraged to free roam and explore upon arrival at ports of call, so if you'd like to pick up a souvenir or an ice cream cone, make sure you have some cash handy and budget accordingly.
We try to get some swimming in every day – when possible!
No. There will be a swim test at the beginning of the voyage, and if trainees do not pass it they will be required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) during swim call.
No. Tall Ships Adventure has zero tolerance for the use of colourful language on our ships.
Sometimes. If it becomes rocky the captain may choose to stay in port for the day. The ships are equipped with DVDs, a projector, fun games, books and some tasty hot chocolate!
We keep motion sickness medicine in our First Aid kit for just such a situation. If trainees feel too unwell to be on watch, they are allowed to stay in their bunk and rest.
Yes. And sometimes on night watch it can get very cold. Make sure to pack some warm clothes such as a wool sweater and a windbreaker.
We foster a culture of safety but sometimes accidents happen. Our crew are certified with First Aid and are equipped with a well stocked First Aid kit. If the injury is more severe, the coast guard is only a call away. If a hospital visit is needed, trainees would be accompanied with a crew member and your parents will be contacted.
Yes. We have several Adult Voyages in the Fall most years.
Yes. Tall Ships Adventure has had trainees from all around the world! All are welcome! This year foreign travel has some specific pandemic requirments. Please check with goverment of Canada website for current information.
Yes. Tall Ships Adventures and voyages count towards the Adventurous Journey, Community Service and Skill Building portion of the award. You will need to bring the appropriate form for the captain to sign confirming that you've completed it. Click here to learn more.
YES!!
TRAINEE QUESTIONS
Parent Questions
Yes. Please let us know in advance so that our cooks have time to make the proper meal preparations
We strongly encourage trainees to grow some independence while away from home. They are more than welcome to phone home while on shore leave but they will not have access to their phone while underway. We also provide regular updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages .
Of course! We have adult voyages that take place in the fall. You can learn more and sign up here.
*Please note: All adult voyages are temporarily on hold due to COVID-19
With the current pandemic and the need to maintain the intergity of the boating bubble, decisions about shore leave will be left to the captain and based on the available information at the time.
This varries from voyage to voyage, if it is not clearly stated on our voyage description, please contact us.
Yes. Tall Ships Adventure has a bursary fund as well as a few scholarships for participants who need financial assitstance. Our goal is to never leave a child ashore for lack of funds. Click here to find out more.
Black Jack Island Adventure are for young people the ages of 12-14. Fair Jeanne voyages and expeditions are better suited 14-18-year old. This is a recommendation and in some cases there may be some cross-over.
Bytown Brigantine wants trainees to grow a greater independance while on board. When trainees are given their phones on shore leave, they are more than welcome to call home but when underway, we like to give trainees the chance to get used to being away from home and become fully immersed in the sailing experience. There is also our Instagram and Facebook accounts that you can follow to see what your child is up to as we try to update them as often as possible.
Yes.
Tall Ships Adventure doesn't arrange carpool for parents, but we will send an email to see who is looking for/offering rides and connect parents. We leave the rest to you!