Black Girls Set Sail
“She Leads. She Rises. She Sails.”
A leadership and sail training program for Black girls and young women ages 13–24 from the Greater Toronto Area. Funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Program Overview
Black Girls Set Sail is a leadership and sail training program created for Black girls and young women ages 13–24 from the Greater Toronto Area. Funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the program combines hands-on sail training with culturally relevant workshops that build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
Participants develop social and emotional strength, meaningful peer connections, and practical skills both on and off the water. Through this experience, young women are empowered to take the helm in their own lives and lead within their communities.
At a Glance
Benefits of the Program
Leadership Development
Build real-world skills — clear communication, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork while sail training. Being responsible for navigating a boat builds confidence, accountability, and problem-solving ability.
Confidence & Self-Efficacy
Mastering a challenging new skill in a space where Black girls are often underrepresented reinforces a sense of capability and belonging. Participants leave knowing they can succeed.
Resilience & Emotional Growth
Through culturally responsive workshops, participants develop coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and tools to navigate systemic and personal challenges.
Community Connection
Black Girls Set Sail fosters peer bonding and mentorship, strengthening social networks within the Greater Toronto Area. Participants see themselves as contributors and future community leaders.
Sail & Marine Pathways
Hands-on training expands access to marine recreation, competitive sailing, and potential career pathways in marine industries, environmental stewardship, and outdoor leadership.
Cultural Relevance & Identity
Workshops are grounded in the lived experiences of Black girls — identity, barriers, leadership, and opportunity centered in a safe, affirming space.
Long-Term Life Enhancement
Participants gain greater self-confidence, stronger communication skills, broader career awareness, improved social-emotional regulation, and an expanded sense of possibility.
Who Can Apply?
- Identity: Self-identify as Black and as a girl or young woman
- Age: Between 13 and 24 years old
- Location: Reside in the Greater Toronto Area
- Availability: One week of sail training in July or August (5 hrs/day, 5 days) + attend the hybrid-delivered monthly workshops from July 2026 to February 2027.
2027 Programs in Development - Experience: None required — all levels welcome
- Swimming: All levels — PFDs provided
Application Deadline
April 20, 2026
The program is fully funded — no cost to participate. Lunch, snacks, program materials, and pick-up/drop-off transportation are all included.
Frequently Asked Questions
No prior sailing experience is required. Black Girls Set Sail is designed for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Participants receive guidance and instruction from qualified crew members and mentors throughout their voyages.
Participants are required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) to ensure their safety. The PFDs are provided by the program. All swimming levels are welcome.
The workshops are designed to build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills. They will be led by experienced facilitators and feature engaging group discussions, interactive activities, and practical exercises. Each session is structured to create a supportive and collaborative environment where participants feel encouraged to share and grow. The overall goal is to empower participants and support their personal and professional development.
The program is fully funded, with support in part from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Participation costs for sail training are covered, including food (lunch and snack) and program materials. Transportation is also provided with designated pick up and drop off sites.
There is no requirement for community service; however, we set goals for community service and personal growth opportunities. Guidance and volunteer opportunities will be shared with all participants. We believe these opportunities will develop leadership and confidence capacities in participants.
Females aged 13–24 years old from the Greater Toronto Area.
Sailing training involves physical activity such as handling lines, moving on deck, and working as a team. However, we try to accommodate tasks as much as possible to participants’ comfort and ability levels. Safety is prioritized at all times, and youth are supported throughout the experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us to discuss specific needs.
May 22, 2026. For further details, please contact:
Chelsia Watson, Sustainability & Business Development Manager
[email protected]
Aysem Silveira, Youth Project Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Ph: (416) 850-5755 ext. 7
Program Contacts
Chelsia Watson
Community
Aysem Silveira
Programming
Funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation