In 2025 Sail Training Ireland for Youth Development (STIrl) was appointed as one of the organisations to deliver Irish Sailing’s Volunteer Supports programme. The programme aims are:
- To promote sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, and other water sports as recreational and active sports, fostering inclusivity, education, participation, and engagement in maritime activities.
- That STIrl will be the project management, administrative and financial lead in the execution of the programme.
- To make the STIrl/IS programme the leading example of Sport Ireland financed Volunteer Supports projects in the country.
In 2025 Sail Training Ireland delivered the following:
- Thirty-two sail training voyages of at least five days duration.
- On four tall ships – Pelican of London, Maybe, Blue Clipper, and Ilen.
- 476 people participating. The vast majority were first time participants.
- 140 or 29% had a disability of some kind.
- Three of the voyage this year were entirely for those with a disability and their “buddies” (carers) if required.
- 83% of the participants received funding from the charity due to their circumstances. The opportunity is open to all young people but the charity’s funds go to those facing disadvantage or those with a disability.
- A gender mix of 59% Male, 40% female and 1% other.
- 26 counties were represented.
- These participants were supported by 52 volunteer mentors.
- In addition, nineteen new mentors were trained this year.
- Delivered the pilot of the Leadership for Life programme. This was supported by the additional funding made available by Irish Sailing.
Leadership for Life Programme:
In an exciting development this year Sail Training Ireland ran its first Leadership for Life voyages as part of Foroige’s Leadership for Life Programme. This collaboration integrates Foróige's renowned Leadership for Life Programme with Sail Training Ireland's experiential learning voyages, providing young people with unique opportunities to develop essential life skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of adventure. This sees the participants undertaking three modules of top-class Leadership Training. On successful completion they will receive a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership & Community Action (Level 6 qualification) from the University of Galway.
This year saw the twenty participants achieve Module 1 and they are currently working towards Module 2. This involved the voyage and also three residential weekends of training led by STIrl’s volunteer mentors.
Recruiting the Trainees
The participants were nominated by community and youth organisations from across Ireland. Organisations such as schools, clubs, health workers, Foroige, school completion programmes, disability organisations, Scout and Girl guides, unemployment organisations, youth services, Education Training Boards, and others. These are groups who are working with young people on a daily basis and can identify those who could benefit or need an opportunity such as the one we provide.
Some Comments on the Experience.
- “The voyage improved my happiness and self-confidence.”
- “a really great adventure and really positive learning experience, nothing better than getting out of the comfort zone and trying something new”
- “My daughter had the best time aboard the Pelican of London. The crew was top notch - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and skilled. She learned so much while having the adventure of a lifetime!”
- “Absolutely amazing! Knew I'd love it but didn't expect to love it this much! The crew were fantastic: they taught us so much and were such a lovely group to have around. The Blue Clipper was an absolute dream, and it felt like we were spoiled with the facilities that we have. And last but not least, the experience, the views, and all the locations we visited were nothing short of spectacular. Would definitely recommend!”
- “I had one of the best weeks on the ship. I made loads of new friends and tried new things!”
- “A unique experience, and a lifelong memory. My teenager made new friends on an amazing adventure, living her best life.”
- “Our son had an amazing time met wonderful people and came home safe happy and proud.”
- “This was a terrific experience. The crew supported and encouraged the trainee crew through immersive hands-on experience to gain the most from this trip.”
See there full season report below ...