Ship sets sail into Simcoe County offering training to youth
The Playfair tall ship made its way to Midland Ont., earlier this week before heading to Collingwood, where youth crew members learned the ropes as part of the Brigs Youth Sail Training program.
Playfair was built in 1973 in Kingston, and officials said it was explicitly built as a training ship designed for youth.
Brigs Youth Sail Training owns and operates the tall ship Playfair.
Brigs Youth Sail Training in Midland Ont., on August 6, 2024. (CTVNews/Chris Garry)
Playfair Captain Christine Chesterman said the charity runs youth programs in both the summer and winter. Those taking part learn various skills related to sailing and life in general.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"The trainees and the crew members run the whole ship together, so they need to do everything. They’ll learn how to handle the lines so the ropes that control the sails, they’re going to climb up into the rigging to loose of furl the sails, they are going to steer, learn how to cook and clean up, and they’re going to learn how to work together," said Chesterman.
16-year-old Quinton Valke of Oshawa said he has learned many skills throughout his time on Playfair as he navigated through his role as a senior watch officer.
“I just like working together with all the great people on board. We have such an amazing crew, and I just learn great leadership and team building. On board, there is no solo work - you have to work together. You are forced to work as a team," said Valke.
Anneke Jones of London, now a junior watch officer on Playfair, got into sailing at the age of eleven, and she said this experience has only made her love sailing more.
"I found a great experience with the crew; they are my best friends in the world, and I have come to really enjoy sailing. It is my main interest,” said Jones.
Brigs Youth Sail Training in Midland Ont., on August 6, 2024. (CTVNews/Chris Garry)
The youth crew, ages 13 to 18, have been sailing across Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and beyond as part of their series of voyages this summer.
“We started our summer in June in Hamilton, sailed up to Lake Huron, and began our youth courses in Port Elgin. So, we did Port Elgin and then sailed around to Owen Sound, and then we sailed from Owe. Sound to the North Channel ending in Tobermory and then another voyage from Tobermory up to North Channel again and down to Parry Sound,” said Chesterman.
Those with Playfair are inviting locals and tourists to stop by at one of their many stops along various Ontario ports this summer.
As part of the Sidelaunch Days Festival in Collingwood, Playfair deck tours will take place all weekend, beginning on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal business hit with Molotov cocktail 2 nights in a row: police
Montreal police say a business in the city's Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood was hit with Molotov cocktails two nights in a row.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice are linked to an increase risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
OPP charge driver going 175 km/h on Highway 417 in Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Police have laid stunt charges against a driver caught speeding 75 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end.
America votes: How the election could impact the Canada-U.S. border
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
Fluoride in drinking water poses enough risk to merit new EPA action, judge says
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
A French judge in a shocking rape case allows the public to see some of the video evidence
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
Red Lobster is a mess. Here's why the new 35-year-old CEO wanted the job anyway
TikToks of customers stuffing their faces with a US$20 endless shrimp. More than 100 restaurant closures and thousands of layoffs. A revolving door of CEOs. Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Impaired driver charged after car crashes in Kitchener home: WRPS
Police have laid charges after a car crashed into the side of a Kitchener home early Friday morning.
-
Two suspects sought in Kitchener robbery, victim threatened with knife
Officers were called at around 11 p.m. Friday for a report of a disturbance in the area of Glasgow Street and Earl Street.
-
New era for former musicians of the K-W Symphony
The K-W Symphony may have played their last concert but the musicians who made up the ensemble aren’t ready for their curtain call.
London
-
Evenly matched Otters and Knights spar at Budweiser Gardens
The London Knights were on home ice last night, hoping to secure their first won of the season at Budweiser Gardens against the Erie Otters.
-
Middlesex OPP investigate incident in Parkhill
As of 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, The West Region OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), Emergency Response Team (TEAM) and OPP K9 Unit were operating in the area but have since cleared.
-
Community research group to present homelessness strategy to city hall Tuesday
A hot button issue at city hall, and in the community, more than 200 people from 70 service organizations have come together and drafted the Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response.
Windsor
-
'Housing is healthcare'; this physician thinks she has the key to solving homelessness in Windsor-Essex
The first step in the plan was speaking to frontline workers and getting their feedback. "Overwhelmingly, they said they would like to see health-care services on-site," Bondy said.
-
Man wanted for vandalism in Windsor
According to police, the suspect entered and vandalized the property in the 700 block of Grand Marais Road Easton on September 28.
-
Collision prompts lane reduction on Wyandotte
A motor vehicle collision at Wyandotte Street East and George Avenue has Windsor police on the scene this morning.
Northern Ontario
-
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
-
America votes: How the election could impact the Canada-U.S. border
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
-
Day of Action to raise awareness about murdered and missing Indigenous women
Oct. 4 is the National Day of Action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Two teens charged with setting July fire in northwestern Ont. that did $500K in damage
Two teens, ages 14 and 19, have been charged with arson in connection with a July 14 fire in Cat Lake First Nation that destroyed $500,000 in construction materials.
-
Here's what the jury didn't hear in Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial
A northeastern Ontario jury has started deliberating in Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial, we can now tell you what they weren't allowed to hear.
-
Proof that cleared police of Thunder Bay man's throat injury comes out in the end
A suspect who accused Thunder Bay police of being responsible for his throat injury actually hurt himself when he swallowed a large amount of drugs.
Ottawa
-
Frost advisory issued with temperatures expected to drop near freezing in Ottawa
Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory as temperatures across Ottawa and eastern Ontario are expected to dip near the freezing mark this evening.
-
This Ottawa photo radar camera issued 200 tickets a day over the summer
New data shows the automated speed enforcement camera on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 6,337 speeding tickets in August, the highest number of tickets issued by Ottawa's 40 photo radar cameras.
-
OPP charge driver going 175 km/h on Highway 417 in Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Police have laid stunt charges against a driver caught speeding 75 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end.
Toronto
-
Two pedestrians taken to hospital after Vaughan crash, one person in custody
Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital with unknown injuries after an early-morning collision in Vaughan.
-
'Unacceptable:' Toronto councillor calls for public inquiry into Eglinton Crosstown delays
A Toronto city councillor is calling for a public inquiry into the construction of the delayed and over-budget Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
-
America votes: How the election could impact the Canada-U.S. border
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
Montreal
-
Mother and daughter, 7, found dead after Old Montreal fire; public security minister to visit scene Saturday
The two people who died in a major fire in Old Montreal on Friday were a mother and her seven-year-old daughter, sources told Noovo Info.
-
Police boosting presence in Montreal ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary of Israel-Hamas war
Montreal police say they are increasing their presence across the city ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 start of the Israel-Hamas war.
-
Montreal business hit with Molotov cocktail 2 nights in a row: police
Montreal police say a business in the city's Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood was hit with Molotov cocktails two nights in a row.
Atlantic
-
Battle between activist candidate and ex-Tory reflects schism in N.B. politics
A riding in southwest New Brunswick that for decades was a Progressive Conservative stronghold is shaping up to be a bellwether that could offer a window into the future of the Tory party, and maybe of the province.
-
Families in Moncton, N.B., enjoy education and demonstrations as part of Fire Prevention Week
The Greater Moncton area held open houses on Saturday to kick off Fire Prevention Week.
-
Youth pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of P.E.I. teen Tyson MacDonald
A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Winnipeg
-
'Great fun in this': Giant roadside attractions across Manitoba highlighted online
It’s 1998. Google was just born, and dial-up was the primary way to connect to the Internet. New sites were being developed daily on any number of topics, from recipes to shopping. David Yanciw, however, was thinking big - big things, that is.
-
STARS, emergency crews dispatched to crash on Highway 12 in Brokenhead
Emergency crews are at the scene of a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 12 in the RM of Brokenhead, Man.
-
Manitoba doctors getting sick of sick notes: report
A new report from Doctors Manitoba is calling for major changes to the way sick notes are issued in Manitoba, saying they are a waste of time for doctors and employers.
Calgary
-
Turner Valley RCMP on scene at vehicle rollover near Plummers Road
An investigation is underway into what caused a vehicle rollover Saturday in the area of Plummers Road and Priddis Valley Road.
-
Pedestrian struck by vehicle in southeast Calgary
A pedestrian is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in southeast Calgary on Friday night.
-
B.C. Lions snuff out Calgary Stampeders playoff hopes with 32-15 win
The loss that extinguished the Calgary Stampeders playoff dreams Friday provided some deja vu for head coach Dave Dickenson.
Edmonton
-
Bains makes case to be full-time Canucks player in Vancouver's 4-1 pre-season win
Forward Arshdeep Bains hopes his final audition was good enough to earn him a spot in the Vancouver Canucks cast when the curtain opens on the NHL regular season.
-
Woman dies in east Edmonton collision with building on 118 Avenue
A 79-year-old woman is dead after the vehicle she was driving crashed into an east Edmonton building late Friday afternoon.
-
Goaltender Jack Campbell enters NHL/NHLPA player assistance program
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Regina
-
Judge reserves decision in challenge of SaskPower natural gas expansion
A group of climate activists is challenging SaskPower's move towards natural gas, arguing it violates their Charter rights.
-
Wind gusts up to 100 km/h possible in southern Sask. Saturday
A wind warning has been issued for parts of southern Saskatchewan, with gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) possible in some areas on Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.
-
Fluoride in drinking water poses enough risk to merit new EPA action, judge says
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
Saskatoon
-
Private school funding draws attention during STF education forum
The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation hosted a virtual election forum on education Thursday evening, giving candidates in the provincial election a chance to share their thoughts and answer questions on issues teachers find most important.
-
Sask. man pleads guilty in U.S. after providing videos of men raping toddlers to FBI agent he thought was pedophile
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.
-
Saskatoon police arrest homeless person at scene of encampment fire under University Bridge
Saskatoon police arrested a homeless person at the scene of an encampment underneath the University Bridge on Friday morning.
Vancouver
-
'I screamed in shock and horror': Family faces deadly Vancouver hit-and-run driver during sentencing
The sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty in the deadly hit-and-run in Kitsilano two years ago began on Friday.
-
Parents plead for more help for youth after 13-year-old B.C. boy dies of drug overdose
Chayton Point loved to dance. Just ask his mom.
-
Doubled tax, more child care, new tech jobs: B.C. election campaign wraps second week
As the provincial election campaign reaches the halfway mark, the party leaders made pitches to voters on bread-and-butter issues: housing, child care and jobs.
Vancouver Island
-
Teachers' union wants education focus in B.C.'s 2024 election
We haven't heard the candidates talk much about education during B.C.'s 2024 election campaign, but the teachers' union is trying to put the spotlight on that issue.
-
Missing B.C. climber died from fall on Mount Baker, medical examiner says
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.
-
Early morning earthquakes rattle B.C.
Many British Columbians were shaken awake early Friday morning when an earthquake struck in the Strait of Georgia, about 18 kilometres southwest of Tsawwassen.
