Photo: HOPA Ports & Brigs Youth Sail Training, HOPA Ports
There’s something special about setting sail on Hamilton Harbour, the wind in the sails, the teamwork on deck, and the sense of adventure that brings people together. For the young crew members of Brigs Youth Sail Training, that experience is more than just a day on the water; it’s a journey that builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
HOPA Ports is proud to support Brigs, a local organization dedicated to helping youth grow through the challenge of sailing tall ships on the Great Lakes. By giving young people the chance to take the helm and work as a crew, Brigs inspires personal growth and a deeper connection to the water that defines our region.
This year, the Pathfinder Access Fund, allocated more than $21,000 to help youth who otherwise would have been unable to participate in summer programming.
In 2025, Brigs had 88 trainees participate in their overnight voyages, an achievement that speaks to the organization’s continued momentum and the enthusiasm of youth eager to challenge themselves on the water. In addition, Brigs piloted two weeks of Day Camp programming, designed to give youth an opportunity to experience life at sea.
“Our partnership with Brigs represents a shared vision of creating opportunities and nurturing meaningful connections to the water,” said Kelly Noseworthy, Communications Advisor at HOPA Ports. “Watching these young crew members embrace responsibility, support one another, and discover the value of teamwork is inspiring.”
Members of the HOPA Ports team were recently invited aboard TS Playfair for an evening sail; a chance to experience firsthand what makes the program so special. Spending time with the students as they raised sails, navigated the ship, and shared their stories offered a glimpse into how transformative the Brigs experience can be.
Learn more or Donate: www.brigs.ca
