At Sail Training International, we’re pleased to support several bursary schemes and scholarships for young people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in our events.
For some people, fundraising is a great option – we have a fantastic fundraising section with lots of fun ideas to help you reach your target. For others, additional financial support is available from bursaries or scholarships. Some people even combine the two!
The Marlow navigation Netherlands Bursary Scheme is now closed for applications in 2024
If you would like to be notified when future bursaries are launched please complete the form below
As we continue to offer life-changing experiences at sea for young people, we are always grateful for the kind and generous support of different organisations around the world who recognise the transformative impact of sail training.
We are delighted to be able to partner with Marlow Navigation Netherlands, one of the world’s leading commercial ship management providers, to offer the Marlow Navigation Bursary Fund. The £5000 fund offers young people aged between 15 and 25 years old the opportunity to take part in a voyage during The Tall Ships Races.
Each bursary will offer the chance to take part in a life-changing adventure and become part of a team of people from around the world to achieve something truly special.
We would like to extend our warm thanks to Marlow Navigation Netherlands as they help us to continue our mission of supporting educational and developmental opportunities for young people. It is only through generous support like this that we have been able to keep changing young lives for over 60 years.
About Marlow Navigation Netherlands
Since the company’s beginnings in 1982 from the maritime hub of Limassol, Marlow Navigation has grown to become a globally renowned and trusted name in the ship management industry.
Today, a network spanning 14 countries, with over 1,150 shore-based staff, 15,800 crew on board managed vessels and 25,000 active seafarers in the employment pool, underpins the company’s progress, business sustainability and client-focussed ethos.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applicants from financially and physically disadvantaged people from around the world who have not taken part in a Sail Training International event before.
We welcome financially or physically disadvantaged people between 15 and 25 years old, regardless of nationality, background, physical ability, or previous sailing experience. The maximum amount awarded is £500 each.
FIND OUT WHEN NEW BURSARIES ARE LAUNCHED
To keep updated when we launch our bursary schemes for 2025, simply complete the form below.
The Oman Bursary Scheme is now closed for applications in 2024
If you would like to be notified when future bursaries are launched please complete the form below
What Is It?
In 2012, we had the pleasure of launching a bursary scheme in partnership with the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to foster international friendship and provide new and exciting opportunities for young people each year. It does this by helping them to experience a sail training voyage on a Tall Ship during a Sail Training International (STI) Tall Ships Race or Regatta.
STI has enjoyed a long, positive relationship with Oman. The country is regularly involved with our events and is committed to developing young people. Both things that we value!
In 2014, the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) celebrated the delivery of a brand new sail training vessel, Shabab Oman II, replacing Shabab Oman (Youth of Oman) which had a long and proud sail training history – she won the prestigious International Friendship Trophy nine times! The beautiful Shabab Oman II continues Oman’s sail training success story, promoting international friendship and peace.
How Did the Bursary Start?
We trialled the scheme at the Tall Ships Races in 2011 and launched it officially in 2012. Back then, we awarded funds to 25 trainees from seven countries – the Royal Navy of Oman has funded the scheme every year since.
The RNO also presents the Sultan Qaboos Trophy, which it awards annually to the organisation or individual who has done the most to promote sail training for young people.
Since 2013, RNO and Sail Training International have worked together to bring young Omanis to Europe to participate in STI events on board other nations’ ships.
Who Can Apply?
The Oman Bursary Scheme is open to applicants who have never taken part in a Tall Ships Race or Regatta (training). We welcome financially or physically disadvantaged people between 15 and 25 years old, regardless of nationality, background, physical ability, or previous sailing experience. The maximum amount awarded is £500 each (if living outside of Europe, exceptions may be made for long distance travel costs).
We receive applications from a huge variety of young people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Trainees’ support letters often reveal their dedication, motivation and sometimes the difficulties that they’ve faced, such as health and personal problems. Those who are awarded the Oman Bursary achieve something special – they become part of a team of people from different nationalities in a new and exciting environment, form friendships and make memories that last a lifetime.
Oman Bursary Approved Vessels
You can see the full list of Oman Bursary approved vessels below.
Testimonials
Here are some of the thoughts and reflections from previous Oman Bursary winners.
“The high sea can be a harsh environment, so it quickly creates strong bonds between people!” – Xavier Wadbled
“Being afraid of heights, I experienced my moment of true happiness… climbing to the highest point on the ship while sailing… enjoying the view of a lifetime.” – Davis Odzins
To see what other recipients of the Oman and other sail training bursaries have been saying, check out their testimonials.
FIND OUT WHEN NEW BURSARIES ARE LAUNCHED
To keep updated when we launch our bursary schemes for 2025, simply complete the form below.
What Is It?
The James Myatt Trust is a registered charity that’s run by trustees. Its aim is to support young people who are keen to take part in a sail training adventure in the U.K. and abroad.
The Trust has awarded 31 bursaries this year, across all of our Races and Regattas.
How Did The Trust Start?
In 1984, James Myatt’s friends and family started the trust. They made generous donations in his memory to help young people and sail training in general.
James Myatt was a keen sailor. His love of the sea began when he joined the Sea Scouts as a teenager in the U.K. Later, he led many voyages during the early days of sail training… and won the first Sail Training Association race across the Atlantic in 1964. He really valued the role of international friendship in sail training, and even helped to introduce Polish and Russian friendship cruises during the Cold War!
James later worked for the British Army, focusing on youth and leadership training. During his time there, he become special advisor to the new Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme – something that many of our trainees take part in today.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re 16-25 years old and are prepared to raise a portion of the funds yourself, this could be the right option for you.
The Trust awards several different, and will even consider funding more than one person from a group. It focuses on voyages operated by the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO).
ASTO has vessels from 18m to more than 60m in length, and schedules voyages that can last between two and 14 days. So, you’ll be sure to find a sail training voyage that suits you and your timetable!
International Exchange Grants
The James Myatt Trust also offers special grants for two young people every year. The ASTO handles applications for these, and they are usually awarded to people with a track record in sailing. You’ll need to be recommended and supported by a sponsor organisation.
The Trust asks for a full report from everyone who takes part. They love to receive a record of the voyage, hear your thoughts and feelings, and see photos from your trip.
How You Can Apply
Visit the James Myatt Trust website for more information and an application form.
For more information, contact the Trust Secretary at jan.gauntlett@talktalk.net.
Testimonials
“My exchange visit to Canada has been an unforgettable adventure! I am incredibly grateful to ASTO for organising this exchange and James Myatt Trust for their sponsorship. I had a fantastic time aboard the Tall Ship St Lawrence II, with thanks to all of the crew from Brigantine Inc. on the ship and the staff in the office. As ASTO allowed me to fly out earlier I had the opportunity to explore a little extra of Canada as well and completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition, in Algonquin Provincial Park by Canoe which was fantastic.” – Sarah Asplin.
“I loved getting to grips with a new Ship – I wanted to know how everything worked and found myself inspired by all the new things around me; from different sails, to different ways of structuring the voyage, to different young people. All of the young people wanted to get the most out of their ten days – it was something they were really looking forward to! They were totally driven to learn and to take the lead and that’s what Spirit of New Zealand works to develop.” – Peta Koczy.
