Sail Training International is pleased to be able to provide a range of funds that support the continued delivery and development of Sail Training around the world.
You can see learn about the different funds we have, upcoming submissions deadlines and find out how to apply on this page.
In 2012, Sail Training International 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 up to 100 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 Tall Ships Race or Regatta.
Sail Training International has enjoyed a long, positive relationship with Oman. The country is regularly involved with our events and is committed to developing young people, something that is central to our charitable purpose.
The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has a long history of supporting sail training that dates back to their first naval training ship, Shabab Oman (Youth of Oman), which was in service for over 30 years. In 2014, the RNO celebrated the delivery of a brand new sail training vessel, Shabab Oman II. Since its launch, this beautiful full-rigged ship has continued Oman’s sail training success story, promoting international friendship and peace around the world.
The scheme was trialed at the Tall Ships Races in 2011 and launched officially in 2012. At that time, we awarded funds to 25 trainees from seven countries – the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has funded the scheme every year since.
The RNO also presents the Sultan Qaboos Trophy, which is awarded annually to the organisation or individual who has done the most to promote sail training for young people. The trophy marks a continuing partnership between Sail Training International and the Sultanate of Oman demonstrating a commitment to sail training and youth development.
The Oman Bursary Scheme is open to applicants who have never taken part in a Tall Ships Race or Regatta. 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.
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.
If you would like to be considered as an Oman Bursary approved vessel email bursaries@sailtraininginternational.org for more information.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Royal Navy of Oman whose generosity has once again made the fund possible. Having supported countless young people to have a Sail Training adventure through the annual Oman Bursary scheme which has provided over £450,000 in funding to date, their continued support means we are able to bring the transformative experience of Sail Training to young people around the world.
It’s easy to apply for the bursary, just follow the link below to complete the application.
If you know someone who you feel would be eligible to apply, further details can be found on the Sail On Board dedicated trainee Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Sail On Board Bursaries and Scholarships
The Sail Training International Canada Legacy Fund supports organisations (preferably non-profit) to help deliver youth sail training programmes to young Canadians. Sail Training International has set aside a total fund of $25,000CAN to be awarded in grants to successful applicants.
Following the success of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, the Canada Legacy Fund was been set up with generous support from Rendez-Vous Naval de Quebec. The Canadian Legacy Fund is under the management of the Sail Training International Board of Trustees, and is administered by the designated Legacy Fund Committee.
The Canada Legacy fund offers support to organisations that provide sail training programmes that look to reach disadvantaged young Canadians aged between 14-25 years. These programmes will offer one or more of the following:
You can find out all the information you need to apply for funding using the Canada Legacy Fund Guidance Notes below. For further assistance, or if you have any other questions about the fund, please direct enquiries to ben.clark@sailtraininginternational.org.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S FUND IS 13 JANUARY 2023
Sail Training International is pleased to be able to be able to offer the Youth Development Fund, an annual fund provided to support a range of projects aimed at helping youth development.
We are seeking to support organisations – preferably nonprofit – to deliver sail training programmes that will reach young people from а mixture of backgrounds, particularly those from а disadvantaged background (14-25). Applications may Ье submitted bу sail training operators, schools, National Sail Training Organisations or land based agencies/organisations or individuals working with young people.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Royal Navy of Oman whose generosity has made the Youth Development Fund 2023 possible. Having supported countless young people to have a Sail Training adventure through the annual €50,000 Oman Bursary scheme since 2011, their continued support means we are able to bring the transformative experience of Sail Training to young people around the world.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S FUND IS 13 JANUARY 2023
The Sail Training International Research Fund aims to support the growth of the body of research available to aid development and awareness of sail training programs around the world.
Proposals are invited from researchers around the academic world and funding may be requested up to a maximum of £20,000. Proposals should support the charitable aims of Sail Training International including (but not limited to) the following objectives:
At the conclusion of the application window, submissions received are reviewed and funds are allocated according to merit and the researcher’s capacity to assist the sail training community to support, improve and/or promote its outcomes and objectives. Final decisions are based on the decision of the Research Grant Fund (RGF) Committee.
Applicants do not have to apply for the whole £20,000 if their study does not warrant it. The Research Grant Fund (RGF) committee can opt to support as many projects as the budget allows and may seek to apply for additional funds should they be deemed necessary which will be awarded at the discretion of the Sail Training International trustees.
Please note as a stipulation of receiving the grant the applicant must agree to have a progress report or final report ready to present to the assembled delegates at the International Sail Training and Tall Ships Conference the year following the awarding of grant funds.
Submissions for the International Research Fund are currently closed. The next round of funding, and information on how to apply, will be announced soon.
Vessels need to meet the following criteria to be approved:
1. When participating in an event organised by Sail Training International, vessels must comply with the current Racing & Sailing Rules and Special Regulations for Tall Ships Races and Regattas (only applicable for participating vessels).
2. Captains and officers must be duly qualified and hold all necessary certificates required by the laws of their country to undertake the planned voyage.
3. Vessels must be legally registered, licensed and insured to sail with trainees and take part in all programmed activities whether in port or at sea (including racing where relevant) and approved for the sea area of the voyage. A copy of the vessel’s registration certificate may be required.
4. Vessels must hold an appropriate commercial certificate to take passengers or trainees, and they must submit a valid annual inspection certificate from their Certifying Authority which is approved for the sea area of the voyage.
5. The vessel’s stability characteristics and certification must be appropriate for the sea areas and season of the voyage being undertaking.
6. Vessel operators must hold valid insurance cover against third party claims and injury, death or other loss to trainees, staff, or volunteers to a minimum British pounds £5M for the class of voyage and activities to be undertaken.
7. Must have a Safety Management System (SMS) appropriate to their vessel. This can be in the language of the ship.
8. Must have a trainee safeguarding, welfare and protection policy in place and a system for criminal record checks, or, where there is no national system, an internal system for checking references for their sea staff and adult volunteers.
9. Vessel operators must have a proven safety and a proven track record (2 years) of delivering sail training voyages for young people.
10. Vessels must have a proven track record of effectively delivering youth development work within their sail training programme. They must either submit their sail training programme with the application, or provide an outline of activities on a typical voyage. In subsequent years, the quality will be monitored using feedback from trainees and others.
11. In all cases, STI has absolute discretion over decisions regarding the award of bursaries or funds.
Please contact office@sailtraininginternational.org for more information and an application form.
With similar goals to our other bursaries, the scheme is aimed at people of any age and who live with a disability. The purpose of the fund is to encourage self-development by actively participating in a Sail Training voyage on a Tall Ship during a Sail Training International Tall Ships Race or Regatta.
The bursary was founded to honour the memory of John E. Burnett. As a talented young production engineer at the onset of World War II, he wished to serve in the Royal Navy, but his skills were thought to be more valuable at home.
After a successful career, he founded his own manufacturing company. He somehow still managed to find time to help others and worked with the UK charity Remap to make custom-built equipment to help disabled people live more independent lives.
After losing a leg to osteosarcoma, John experienced the same difficulties facing the charities beneficiaries himself. Sadly he did not survive to enjoy the retirement that, after a lifetime of hard work, he rightly deserved.
His family immediately thought of John when seeing the Class A Tall Ship Tenacious (UK) in Funchal, Portugal, and speaking with its crew members. After learning of the surprising range of possibilities that life on a sailing ship offers people with disabilities, they were inspired to found the bursary.
The John E. Burnett Bursary Scheme is open to anyone, but preference will be given to applicants who have never taken part in a Tall Ships Race or Regatta. We welcome financially or physically disadvantaged people of any age, regardless of nationality, background, physical ability, or previous sailing experience.
The maximum amount awarded is £600 each (if living outside Europe, exceptions may be made for long distance travel costs).
Please note that the John E. Burnett Bursary is now closed for applications. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Burnett family for their generous support helping young people find an adventure at sea.
Relive The Tall Ships Races 2022
