HMCS Oriole, Canadian Coast Guard Cape Lambton and Caribou Isle join the salute.
Niagara Falls lights honoring Pathfinder that evening.
HAMILTON, ON, June 32022 /CNW/ – Next Thursday June 9at 10:30 a.m.The deputy. Elizabeth Dowdeswelllieutenant governor of Ontariowill preside over the STV Pathfinder recommissioning ceremony attended by leaders, captains and officers from the Hamilton community and the navy Sailing training for young Brigs and Elder Garry Sault of the Mississaugas of Credit First Nation.
The return to active service of the STV Pathfinder, one of the first Great Lakes sailing training tall ships, is due to the generosity and support of Blair McKeil of Breakwater Financial, recently named Hamilton’s 2022 Citizen of the Year. In 2021, Mr. McKeil purchased STV Pathfinder and had it refitted to Heddle Shipyards so it could once again offer young people a life-changing opportunity for summer adventure and personal development.
Months of work by a crew of Heddle Shipyards and Brigs staff and volunteers are nearing completion on the 72-foot, 31-ton tall ship which includes engine overhaul, deck replacement, sails, deep repair of the steel hull and the refitting of the galley and heads.
HMCS Oriole, the Royal Canadian Navy’s sailing training ship visiting from Halifax, and Coast Guard vessels CCGS Cape Lambton and Caribou Isle will be on hand to welcome STV Pathfinder back to sailing training. Later in the evening, the lights of Niagara Falls will pay tribute to STV Pathfinder and the 60th anniversary of Brigs Youth Sail Training.
Mr. McKeil donates the use of the STV Pathfinder as a sail training boat to Brigs Youth Sail Training in Hamilton. Here she will join her sister ship, the TS Playfair, to take youngsters and adults on sail training lessons.
“STV Pathfinder’s return to sail training is exciting for the Hamilton community. We are incredibly honored to support and be a partner of Brigs,” said Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Financial. “The teamwork and skills young people learn through this sail training program not only foster and reward self-confidence, leadership and character, but most importantly, connect young people from all walks of life and nurture lasting friendships.” said Mr. McKeil. “Many Brigs alumni go on to fulfilling and exciting careers in the maritime industry, including the Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Navy and commercial operators,” he said.
“STV Pathfinder holds a special place in the hearts of thousands of our alumni,” said Francois Clegg, President and Chairman of the Board of Brigs Youth Sail Training. “It was designed by the legendary marine architect of the late Francis McLachlan of kingston, Ontario. We dedicate the commissioning to his memory.
At Brigs, we are all beyond grateful for the generosity of Mr. McKeil and his team for embracing our vision and for providing the financial support and technical expertise to make this happen. »
STV Pathfinder was commissioned in 1964 by former Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Vincent Masse. During her nearly 60 years on the Great Lakes, thousands of young people have learned to navigate her. Pathfinder served as a youth sailing training vessel until 2018 when her deteriorating condition forced her to retire and sell. Rosemary McLachlanhusband of fire Francis McLachlanPathfinder designer will introduce a new pennant to Liam Fraserher newly appointed captain.
HOPA ports has been instrumental in supporting Brigs by providing the nonprofit with a base to hamilton. “At HOPA, we believe that Brigs Youth Sail Training’s home base of Hamilton adds to our rich maritime history and provides Hamilton’s youth, adults and organizations with a rare educational opportunity to learn to sail these tall ships. rarely seen,” said the president and president of HOPA Ports. CEO ian hamilton, who himself graduated from the sailing programs of Brigs. “What better way to celebrate our port city and its maritime heritage than to help nurture a new generation of young people as passionate as we are about the Great Lakes,” he said.
More information about Brigs, its 2022 youth and adult courses, and how to get involved with the organization can be found at brigs.ca. Thanks to its financial aid platform, no young person is left in the dock for financial reasons.
NOTES TO MEDIA:
The recommissioning ceremony is by invitation only. It starts at 10:30 a.m.(rain or sun), Thursday June 9, Heddle Marine, 208 Hillyard Street, Hamilton. Pool supply available here. Programme, biographies, information documents, high resolution photos of STV Pathfinder under sail, news kit available here. Three ships will attend the ceremony: HMCS Oriole, the Royal Canadian Navy’s historic sail training ship from Halifax and the Canadian Coast Guard’s CCGS Cape Lambton which is commanded by former Captain Brigs, Weed Rhys and the CCGS Caribou Isle. Commissioning ceremonies are centuries-old naval traditions still practiced today.
About Breakwater Financial Ltd: Breakwater Financial is an established and market leading mortgage servicer based in Burlington, Ont.. We focus on single-family, mixed-use, mixed-use and industrial property transactions. We take great pride in providing fair value, prompt response and a consistent approach to the entire mortgage administration process.
About HOPA ports: HOPA Ports is an integrated port system on the Great Lakes, with facilities in hamilton, Oshawa and Niagara. HOPA’s facilities encompass 1,000 acres of land and process 10 million tons of cargo annually, creating 40,000 jobs and $6 billion in the economic activity of Ontario. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and prioritizing sustainability, we are building thriving waterfronts by Ontario communities.
About Brigs Youth Sail Training: Brigs is a 60 year old charity now based in Hamilton, ON. Brigs is dedicated to building leadership, self-efficacy, and self-esteem in youth ages 13-18. This is accomplished through the peer-to-peer delivery of challenging programs aboard traditionally rigged sailing training tall ships, with an emphasis on safety and creating positive and memorable experiences and adventures. Brigs promotes the learning and development of practical skills, the adoption of environmentally responsible practices, and an appreciation of the rich marine heritage of the Great Lakes. Thanks to its financial assistance program, no young person is left behind for financial reasons.
Sailing training for young Brigs SOURCE
For further information: For interviews with Blair McKeil, contact Natasha Mackow, 416.278.3566, [email protected]; For interviews with Francis Clegg of Brigs, Ian Hamilton of HOPA, captains, vessel access and other media inquiries, contact Rosemarie Enslin, 416 684 4410, [email protected]
