No! Most of our trainees (new crew members) have never sailed before. Having some sailing experience is definitely helpful, but the unique nature of sailing a square-rigger like the St. Lawrence II puts everyone initially at about the same level regardless of sailing skills.

Our crew teach the trainees what to do from their first moments aboard, and the instruction and learning continue throughout the cruise. By the end of the trip, all crew feel like old salts and have acquired a great deal of real seamanship experience.

What is the daily routine like?

The ship's routine runs on the traditional Navy watch system, where the ship's crew is divided into three groups or watches. All members of a watch spend the entire cruise working closely together on the same schedule - four hours "on deck" and eight hours off deck.

The day starts with a cleanup of the decks and some polish on the brass, then breakfast. The watch on deck gets the ship under way, weighing anchor and setting the sails. The "off-watches" may be helping with meal cleanup or receiving instruction in knots and sailing terms under the leadership of their watch Petty Officer.

Throughout rest of the day the watches rotate every four hours so that the tasks are divided evenly. Meals are taken in turn and off-watches get a chance to catch up on much-desired sleep. On good nights the ship may sail all night, with different watches seeing sunset, sunrise, and for some lucky ones, the northern lights.

Every day on a sailing ship is a new experience, with the fickle weather providing everything from fast, thrilling reaches with the sails and crew straining to the limit, or leisurely runs under a warm sun. The intensity of the work and the necessity to rely on one another for all shipboard duties quickly builds a special trust and camaraderie.

What Safety Measures are Taken?

The ship is equipped with all the fire fighting, life saving, navigation, and liferaft equipment as required by the Canadian Coast Guard. The ship carries VHF radio, a GPS navigation system, radar, and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The VHF is monitored twenty-four hours a day so that there is always a quick communication link to the Coast Guard should the need ever arise.

All crew who choose to climb aloft in the rigging must wear safety harnesses and learn the proper procedures for working aloft. Crew are further instructed in fire drills, man overboard procedure and all other emergency contingencies. The senior crew are qualified in First Aid and CPR.

Having noted all these measures, it should be pointed out that the St. Lawrence II has an excellent safety record over her forty-six year history, serving tens of thousands of teenagers safely.

How are Meals Arranged?

Meals are cooked under the direction of a full-time ship's cook who is assisted in meal preparation from the off-watch. We know from experience that the physical demands of crewing a sailing ship necessitate hearty meals, and the crew receive well-rounded meals with ample fresh vegetables and fruit.

We gladly accommodate those with food allergies or vegetarian restrictions. This must be indicated in advance on their Brigantine Cruise Application form.

Does the ship stop in other ports?

Just about every cruise involves a visit to some port for supplies and food replenishment. On theses occasions the watches take turns on shore leave during which the teenagers have a chance to explore the town near the ship, or perhaps seek out the wonders of the local candy store. Our crew may arrange a scavenger hunt or friendly soccer game ashore. Hours are restricted so that all crew must return to the ship in reasonable time.

On some occasions the ship is the guest of honour for a local maritime festival, which often means organized shore activities for the crew and a meal laid on by the town.