Are you between 18 and 30 ? Are you unemployed ? Want to take stock ? Would you like to get involved in a project that makes sense to you ? Sign up for the Cabestan Program !
Come and discover what life on a boat is like during a two-week adventure aboard the EcoMaris sail training ship. You will be guided by sailing specialists who will share their passion for maritime life.
In 2021, the trips will take place in April, May, September and October.
Find out about yourself
A trip like no other!
Your involvement in this special adventure could allow you to:
- Learn about yourself in a different way and meet exciting challenges
- Broaden your horizons and meet new people
- Learn about the St. Lawrence and maritime professions
- Prepare for a future you really want
Eligibility
Here’s what to double-check while packing your bag:
- You must have a desire to shake up your routine
- You must be ready to enrol in this program from beginning to end, including its 1-year follow-up
- You must be aged between 18 and 30 years old
- You must be unemployed
- Students are not eligible
- You must be available for the training sessions as well as for the 2-week program aboard the sailboat.
A CJE, an ally
Quebec’s CJEs are precious allies to the Capstan program. Your first meeting at a CJE (to evaluate your specific needs) will allow you to determine which program can help you reach your goals (going back to school, changing careers, finding a job, etc.). Your CJE counsellor will guide you through the necessary steps before and after the expedition.
Your participation in the project benefits from being part of an action plan realized by a counselor of your Carrefour Jeunesse-emploi.
A clear plan made with your CJE counsellor can dramatically enhance your experience.
For additional information, please contact Joëlle Boily at joelle@ecomaris.org or by calling 418-800-1126, extension 2
CAPSTAN DURING COVID-19
As for many non-profit organizations in Quebec, COVID-19 has an impact on our activities. Navigating with multiple passengers in a confined area can be a challenge in the context of a pandemic. This is why we have taken the necessary measures to respect the safety instructions communicated by the Quebec government and public health.
In our 2020 season, our crew members and participants were tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding. We also respected social distancing and any other health measures within the team. Despite the uncertainty of the outside world, the stays that took place from July to October went very well. For many, the pandemic has created isolation, compounded mental health issues and added a layer of anxiety.
For our 2020 participants, these stays were a form of liberation and relief. In this context, the three expeditions took on even greater meaning and significance than usual. We sincerely believe that we will be able to resume full operations during the 2021 season by continuing to apply safety measures and, above all, that the situation of COVID-19 will improve in Quebec and around the world.
photo album
Participant Testimonials
I learnt a great deal and understood how to work and manoeuvre this beautiful, 86-feet-long sailboat, which was our home for two amazing weeks. I cut down on my drug use and got back into shape. I can see myself continuing down that path. It invigorated my spirit and highlighted my love for life. I'm now starting the very last step to obtaining my high school diploma.
Afterwards, I will study woodworking and ideally take my seamanship classes, which I think I will be able to do. Many thanks for this unforgettable adventure.
It's an unforgettable experience that changed my life and made me feel great. It was awesome to breathe some sea air, and I learnt about myself while gaining confidence. I explored my home province from another angle: the St. Lawrence one. The crew embodied optimism and patience. They taught me a lot when it comes to theory, practice, technical knowledge, but also mental and psychological strength. I learnt to cook despite the waves and how important it is to clean and wash dishes EVERY day. I absolutely loved the experience and would do it again anytime.
The ‘create your business workshop’ has helped me tremendously to realize what I actually like and want to do in the future. And, as of now, it is adventure/event/travel photography and videos! And the love for it was surely confirmed with photographing the Cabestan adventure! So.. thank you for it, it was awesome!
Considering how bad I felt at the time, I think this program saved me. I had one of the best times of my life.
I loved the experience. Being in the cold and under the rain can be hard and complicated for community life, but if you love trips and adventure, hop on the boat! You will learn a lot. It requires lots of discipline, but you'll be heartily surrounded by competent crew members. The team takes care of each participant to prevent conflict as much as they can. Very nice experience... and you eat well too.
An extraordinary, humanely fruitful experience. Capstan is an opportunity to reconnect with oneself, others and nature itself. Capstan is a family. This experience brought me back to life!
I threw up all day, yet it was the most beautiful day of my whole life.
Sometimes, just knowing that someone is present, available and consistent is enough to help you find the energy you needed to take things in charge. Because you are less afraid of failure, I think, because you feel that there is a safety net.
It changed my life! In all spheres, both psychologically and physically. It allowed me to learn a lot about the sea trades! This is the best experience I have ever had in my life! 🙂 Thank you EcoMaris for forging me! Looking forward to another adventure with you! 🙂
The feeling to belong to this sailing entity was undescribable. The experience was extremely human and this turn towards the unknown, on board the Roter Sand, accompanied by the crew, turned into the greatest journey in the world in my opinion; a journey of self!
Thank you so much for this great opportunity!
An experience that allows us to surpass our objectives. For my part, the challenge was great and I managed to enjoy the unusual adventure of embarking on a magnificent boat and surely change my vision of the river! My perception of myself and life have changed for the better! Thank you Ecomaris!
What is a Capstan?
A capstan is a machine with a spinning vertical cylinder, used to pull the anchor or tense various ropes on a traditional sailboat. A capstan is useful to combine the strengh of many crew members to pull, hold or control a heavy load.
Our Partners
This program is financed through the Canada-Quebec Contribution Agreement, which supports Quebec youth and receives the financial help of the federal government, more specificallythrough the regional section of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
This program was made possible by Quebec’s CJEs and CLEs. Thank you for your trust!
