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Canadian Sail Training Association

The Canadian Sail Training Association is dedicated to the development of character in young Canadians through sail training. Voyaging under sail in a traditional maritime environment provides a unique opportunity for young people to strive for self-fulfillment and to acquire seamanship skills in the face of the unpredictable and maturing challenges offered by Canada’s oceans, lakes, and estuaries.

As the national coordinating body, CSTA links sail training organizations across Canada; it is responsible for international sail training events in Canadian waters and represents Canada in a woldwide network of sail training organizations. CSTA establishes safety and programme standards and provides expertise for regulatory purposes. Directors are drawn from the Canadian sail training community with specific attention to regional representation.

Sail training is a growing movement with programs in over 20 countries involving tens of thousands of young people annually. More than 100 vessels participate in regularly scheduled gatherings of tall ships, which bring these sailors together in a unique fellowship of the sea. For several hundred years, tall ships have captured the imagination of the world. In recent times millions of people turn out to greet them and hundreds more millions view them on television.

Canada’s maritime history abounds with records of achievement in shipbuilding, commerce, and exploration. With the longest coastline in the world, the Great Lakes, and the mighty rivers leading to and from the sea, Canadians share with other seafaring nations the pride of harbouring and developing a reputable sail training fleet.

Traditional values gained aboard traditional ships constitute an ideal preparation for life in a complex and rapidly changing world.

www.sailtraining.ca