For young Irish sailors looking to take their sailing offshore, the Griffin Offshore Pathway 2027 offers an opportunity to gain experience, training and racing at a higher level. The pathway is open to sailors aged 18–30, the programme welcomes people from dinghy, keelboat and cruising backgrounds. You don’t need previous offshore racing experience, making this an accessible route for sailors who are ready to try something new and develop new skills.
The 2027 pathway includes four domestic squads competing in RORC and JOG events, with training in offshore racing, boat preparation and working as part of a team. Selected sailors will also have opportunities to race internationally, including the Figaro 3 double-handed racing with Nastro Rosa in Italy as well as team racing in the Tour Voile in France.
Coaching, boat access and North Sails equipment are provided, giving all sailors the chance to build offshore experience without needing to own a boat or have an established offshore campaign.
For young sailors in Ireland who are keen to move beyond coastal and inshore sailing, Griffin provides a pathway into offshore racing and the opportunity to race alongside other ambitious young sailors. Applications for the 2027 programme close on 18 October 2026. Learn more here.