Irish Sailing’s reimagined Cara na Mara Discovery Sailing Programme reached 2,493 children across 19 Training Centres this summer, with 55% experiencing organised sailing for the first time.
Designed for children aged six to nine, Cara na Mara provides a fun, non-competitive introduction to sailing before the Small Boat Sailing Scheme. The programme combines time on the water with six discovery themes: Sailing, Seamanship, Marine Life, Wind Awareness, Marine Engineering and Water Safety. A total of 307 instructors and assistants delivered 1,085 sessions throughout the summer.
The 2026 impact report highlights the programme’s positive effect on young sailors, with all participating Training Centres reporting increased confidence around boats and the water, greater interest in sailing and improved water safety awareness. Centres also reported benefits for junior participation and engagement with new families, helping create clearer pathways into the sport.
Demand exceeded available places at 73% of Training Centres, and all 19 centres plan to run Cara na Mara again in 2027, with 27% intending to expand their programmes.
Irish Sailing hopes to build on this success by supporting more Training Centres to deliver Cara na Mara and giving more children the opportunity to discover sailing and life on the water. Centres interested in participating in 2027 can contact training@sailing.ie or register their interest here.