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Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta: The Msit No’komaq Tall Ship Project


Posted on: 26.05.17

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of spreading the message of international friendship and understanding at Sail On Board. So, we’re really excited to hear about a fantastic project happening in Canada as part of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta

The Msit No’Kmaq Tall Ship Project is a youth development and skills-building initiative focusing on indigenous Canadians that has been organised by Three Things Consulting. It will take 45 indigenous young people, aged between 16 and 24 from across Canada, on the final race leg (Race 5) of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta from Halifax, Canada, to Le Havre, France.

The 45 indigenous young people selected for the project will sail on board Gulden Leeuw (The Netherlands) with other trainees and permanent crew in the second Transatlantic leg of this epic event.

The Msit No’Komaq Tall Ship Project

“Msit No’Kmaq” is a Mi’kmaw phrase that translates to “All My Relations,” and promotes a universal connection between all people and things. The project is a partnership between indigenous leadership and communities and the Canadian government, with the aim of helping 45 indigenous young people from across Canada.

Once on board, the 45 trainees will be responsible for running the ship, under the training of the permanent crew of Gulden Leeuw (The Netherlands). Alongside watch keeping, navigating and learning the ins and outs of sailing, the trainees will also take part in a daily leadership program.  This programme will ensure that they leave the experience with new skills, and a greater understanding of themselves as leaders and the world around them.

Goals and Objectives

  • Develop leadership skills in indigenous young people.
  • Provide a meaningful and experiential skills-building opportunity for indigenous young people.
  • Connect indigenous youth from across Canada, where they can share and celebrate their cultures, life experiences and ideas, while building a lifelong community.
  • Increase awareness of the strength and capacity of indigenous young people, via the storytelling that will come from the experience and the voyage.

How Can You Take Part?

If you are you aged 16-24, self-identify as indigenous (First Nation, Metis, Inuit) with or without government identified status, and are returning to school in the fall of 2017, this opportunity is for you!

The application process for this fantastic opportunity includes a series of steps, so don’t delay! You can find out what you need to do on the Three Things Consulting How to Apply page.

Deadline: 7 June 2017.

Check out this fantastic video all about the Msit No’komaq Tall Ship Project. Saimoniq Temala was the first Inuit recipient of the 2016 Youth Sail Trainer of the Year award by Sail Training International.

About the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta

The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is truly the adventure of a lifetime. You could be sailing in the wake of the great explorers, travelling 10,000 nautical miles, visiting seven different countries (UK, Portugal, Canary Islands, Bermuda, USA, Canada, and France), taking part in seven races… and cruising to more than 30 beautiful Canadian guest ports. What are you waiting for?

What’s Next?

Want to get involved with the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta? There are still berths available – secure your place today! Check out our event page for more information. You can book your place directly with a participating vessel, or if you’d like help simply email our friendly team on enquiries@sailonboard.com, who can make recommendations, answer questions, and process your bookings for you.