YTB Travel Chronicles

YTB Travel Network Affiliate, Joe Jacobson is our guest author for this article.

Summer is approaching and you’re wondering what adventure awaits you.  Have you ever been aboard an historic sailing vessel?  One that harkens back hundreds of years to the days before motors when vessels worked directly with the elements for propulsion?  If you find yourself heading north to Canada, you might want to consider visiting Toronto’s Great Lakes Schooner Company.  There along Toronto’s waterfront, you will find two magnificent schooners to help you recapture the Glory Days of Great Lakes Sailing.

The first vessel is the schooner Challenge, a 96-foot three-masted schooner. This schooner rests near downtown Toronto awaiting the next 72 brave landlubbers who would like the test their sea legs. But to make even the most timid landlubber feel comfortable, the vessel is equipped with large LCD televisions, a full-service bar and an efficient interior below decks. Its accommodations are perfect for corporate events or personal parties.

For the party types, a top notch sound system and a complimentary DJ will make your experience a memorable one. The onboard chefs use will surely please your palette with local and fresh ingredients. And don’t forget the catering staff to treat you like special nautical guests.  

As you sail away for just a few hours from the dock, you’ll gaze out over Toronto’s skyline.  Maybe you’ll start to dream of getting your own boat someday and sailing off on your own adventures.  And you think again.  The sun’s rays bounce off the sails and onto the hardwood deck and finally onto your skin as you revel in the mix of wind, sun and water. The Schooner Challenge is an authentic experience you’ll take with you and remember forever. And if the weather turns foul, you can always escape below decks to bask in the luxury and comfort.

So the next time you’re in Toronto head on down to the Harbor Front and take a step back in time to experience an unforgettable sail into the future.  This adventure is a perfect melding of tradition with modern convenience

The second schooner awaiting your inspection is the Kajama, launched as the Wilfried in Rendsburg, Germany in 1930. For close to 70 years, the Kajama was a working ship, visiting ports such as Northwest Spain, western Europe, and as far north as Norway and Russia. In 1999, the Great Lakes Schooner Company brought the Schooner Kajama to Toronto and later restored to her original profile. It’s not too often that you can sail aboard a 164′ three-masted gaff-rigged schooner. This is a seriously large vessel which can comfortably accommodate up to 225 passengers. The Kajama has the same excellence with deliciously prepared meals down below in the “dining room” which is illuminate with huge skylights.  Both vessels are fully-insured and licensed by both Canadian Coast Guard and the Liquor License Board of Ontario.

Joe and Adrianna Jacobson are very successful YTB Travel Network affiliates; and, astute travelers. We enjoy their articles; and, look forward to their next installment!