A Drumheller Sea Cadet is heading out on an experience of a lifetime, sailing an historic tall ship off the coast of B.C.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Katie Hanik, 15, has been selected to crew a Tall Ship in the Strait of Georgian around the Gulf Islands with other youth from across Canada.
“I am really looking forward to it,” said Hanik. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am really honoured and excited to be given this opportunity.”
She is among 40 and 54 cadets from across Canada who were selected for this experience.
A tall ship is a large traditionally rigged sailing vessel. Hanik will be working as part of a team navigating the craft during the voyage. This will be her first time on a tall ship, but she knows the rudiments of sailing from her training, sailing at Sylvan Lake. She says there is no dry land training and they will be learning the ropes on the sea.
“I am really hoping to learn new skills that will push me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “We will learn all the different aspects of the ship and when we learn those, be able to sail it. There will be officers there to help us out.”
It will be a challenging experience and they will be involved in all aspects including galley chores, lookout, safety, navigation, being at the helm, rigging sails and rotating on the 24-hour watch.
The program has the aim to give the cadets an intensive life experience, stimulate leadership development, team building and an appreciation of historic sailing vessels.
Her voyage begins on March 9 where she will board a schooner at Victoria. She will either be sailing the 115-foot Pacific Grace or the 81-foot Pacific Swift. These boats are owned by the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS). The Cadets will be at sea for five days.
RCSCC Furious staff, officers, and fellow cadets are proud of Hanik and wish her the best on her journey.
