SALTS operates two tall ships and teaches approximately 1700 young people (ages 13-25) to sail them each year. In the spring and fall, school groups participate in five-day voyages to the Gulf Islands of southern B.C. In the summer, ten-day voyages collectively circumnavigate Vancouver Island. In the past, offshore voyages were conducted to ports around the world and with the advancement of the New Schooner Campaign, they will hopefully return to the program. Young "trainees" are involved in every aspect of sailing the ship, including navigation, sail handling, pilotage, bow watch, clean-up etc. They receive formal sail training instruction and complete exams. They participate in group discussions about life issues. The program helps young people learn to live in community, develop a strong work ethic, understand teamwork, grow spiritually, learn to resolve problems and conflicts, and understand other cultures.