2025 has been a great year for training with significant engagement and supports starting to bear fruit, with a 12% increase seen on the Small Boat Sailing Scheme evaluation data.
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10,380 people introduced to structured training
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1,852 National Powerboat Certificates awarded
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628 instructors trained
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105 accredited Training Centres active nationwide
This year’s participation profile offers valuable insight into who will benefit most from next year’s updated structure:
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54% male and 46% female participation, which one of the strongest balances in recent years
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238 sailors aged 60+ demonstrating lifelong learning is alive and well
And if you shouted James, Jack, Conor, Kate, or Emily on any slipway this year, chances are someone looked up- these were the most popular names to take part.
Regionally, the debate over Ireland’s real "capital of sailing” has clearly far from settled... activity lay highest in
To continue supporting and safeguarding positive participation and quality standards within the training schemes, the Training Department are about to launch a new 'Programme Guide for Club Training Officers', a significant resource to support clubs and volunteers creating programme opportunities using the Small Boat Sailing Scheme syllabus as the anchor. This guidebook represents a major step forward in supporting clubs and volunteers structure a modern programme framework across their calendars year to promote skill development, accessibility and retention.