On Friday, one of Canada’s oldest tall ships, the STV Pathfinder, sailed to Belleville’s waterfront.
The 72 foot square-rigged brigantine has been sailing the great lakes since 1963, providing Canadian and international youth with an opportunity to challenge themselves, discover their abilities, learn teamwork, and develop their leadership skills.
Unique in the world, Toronto Brigantine’s non-profit charity program has youth ages 13-18 running all aspects of the ship’s 24 hour, 7 day operation. The vessel has a professional adult captain and mate to provide supervision and program direction while matters of navigation, seamanship, and 24 hour operation are handled by the Youth Officers, Petty Officers, and Trainees.
Pathfinder and her sister ship TS Playfair are rare visitors to the area in recent years as the youth program has focused on sailing the upper Great Lakes and Georgian Bay. This year however the vessels are spending more time in Lake Ontario after appearing at the Canada 150 Tall Ship festival at Quebec City in July.
Pathfinder’s unplanned stay in Belleville was forced due to an engine breakdown and the skipper will be working to get the repairs done so the vessel can resume her sailing schedule.
There are still August berths available for youth ages 13-18 to get the experience of a lifetime this summer. Inquiries from youth, parents, and sailors are always welcome and donations to help the repairs and continue the program can be made at the vessel or online at
