Sail Training Ireland for Youth Development

20/08/2026

The National College of Ireland have a fantastic opportunity for young people, as they launch AI Futures, a fully-funded one-year course for young adults aged between 18 to 24. You can download the brochure here, https://bit.ly/4fFqe85 or reach out to AI Futures Lead, Tre Robert via [email protected] North East Inner City - Dublin Dublin City Council Dublin Port Company Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces

07/08/2026

Due to a late cancellation, we have a place on our Cork Bursary U18s voyage on the TS Maybe from 17/08 - 21/08. The voyage starts and finishes in Cork and the cost is €300. Due to cabin assignments, this place must be for a male trainee, aged 14-17 inclusive. You MUST also live in or engage with a service (school, club, agency etc) in Cork city or county.
If you would like to be considered for this place, please send an email to [email protected] with a subject line of "Cork U18 Male Place Application" and include the following information
Name of Trainee
Gender (for cabin assignment)
Age
Full Postal Address
We will be in touch with the successful applicant in due course.
Don't Delay, Apply Today!
Sailing Into Wellness Maybe Sailing Cork County Council Cork City Council

05/08/2026

Waterford, Ireland – Tuesday, the 4th of August 2026 – The two tall ships Maybe and Ilen successfully completed the 2026 Waterford Sail Training voyages, including the Asgard Armada Project sponsored by the Department of Defence. The two vessels moored in Waterford city marking the ninth year of this scheme that develops young people through transformative training experiences aboard tall ships.

Over the course of the voyages, young trainees from diverse backgrounds embarked on a life-changing journey aboard the iconic tall ships Ilen and the Maybe. These voyages provided participants with hands-on sailing experience, leadership development, and the opportunity to build confidence and resilience in a challenging yet supportive environment.

Sail Training Ireland extends heartfelt thanks to its generous sponsors Port of Waterford, Waterford City and County Council, Department Of Defence, whose continued support makes these voyages possible. Special thanks are also due to the crew of both ships and our wonderful mentors, whose dedication and professionalism ensured a safe, educational, and unforgettable experience for all involved.

As usual the project concluded with an Awards ceremony in Waterford City Hall. Mayor of Waterford Cllr Liam Brazil presented the young trainees with certificates and four of the participants spoke of the impact the experience had on them.
Daragh Sheridan, CEO of Sail Training Ireland, reflected on the success of the programme: “The Waterford voyages have once again delivered the impact that sail training can have on young people. This year’s participants were particularly fortunate with amazing weather delivering on the promise of “the sunny southeast”. We are grateful to our sponsors and partners, especially the team behind the Ilen and Maybe, for helping us provide such amazing experience. These voyages are not just about sailing—they are about youth development and teaching essential personal skills.”
As Sail Training Ireland continues its 2026 programme, it remains committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and the personal development of Ireland’s youth through the power of the sea.
Port of Waterford Waterford City and County Council Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces Maybe Sailing Sailing Into Wellness

04/08/2026

Calling all Cork O18s! Due to late cancellations, we now have places available on our Cork O18s voyage. The voyage is on the TS Maybe from 31/08 to 04/09, starting and finishing in Cork City. The cost is €300 and includes accommodation and all meals. To avail of one of the places, you MUST be over 18 AND living in or engaging with a service in Cork City or County.
To book a place click here, https://tri.ps/eySqF
Don't delay, these places will fill up quickly. Cork County Council Cork City Council Maybe Sailing

31/07/2026

We are delighted to welcome the under 18 contingent from The Scout Association of Malta for the first of our 2026 Erasmus+ Youth Exchange voyages. Their voyage, along with Irish trainees, will be in tandem with the Ilen, on the TS Maybe, and begin in Waterford on Monday 3rd and finish in Cork on Friday 07th. The 2nd contingent will arrive in time for their voyage the following week. These voyages are made possible by the continued support from Leargas and Erasmus+

Maybe SailingSailing Into Wellness Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces Dublin Port Company Dublin City Council Léargas Erasmus+

22/07/2026

Happy Birthday to our incredible volunteer, Anita Oman. Anita’s passion for Sail Training is truly boundless. Since joining us as a mentor on her first voyage in 2018, she has become one of our most dedicated team members, taking part in two to three voyages every year. She is a vital part of our training team and brings her energy and creativity to our social media reels as well. While at sea, she is always ready to lend a hand and support fellow mentors, embodying the spirit of teamwork and generosity.
Her commitment doesn’t stop with us. Alongside her volunteer work here, Anita also runs a Scout Group and supports Mountain Rescue—just a glimpse into the many ways she gives back to her community.
We are deeply grateful to have Anita as part of our team. Her dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm make a lasting impact on everyone around her.

15/07/2026

Today the UN marks World Youth Skills Day with the theme of "Skills for a Shared Future"
We believe that the essential personal skills learned by the young people on our Sail Training programmes on tall ships are more important than ever. As shown in the chart we see significant improvement in each skill and amazingly this happens in the short period of a week long voyage.

It is fantastic to see the change happen and to know the trainees will take it back in to their daily life and will benefit from the experience long in to their bright futures.

14/07/2026

08/07/2026

✨ New Voyages Just Dropped! ✨
The sails are set and a Tall Ship adventure is calling your name.
Our newest Tall Ship voyages are now live and ready to book. 🌊
Adventure, discovery, and unforgettable days under sail await.
From stunning sunsets to life at sea, every voyage is packed with discovery, friendship, and a little bit of magic.
A number of of new voyages and places have been added to our website.
The new places are in the voyage description on our Website, e.g. “Waterford Bursary Voyage (I)14-17, 2 Places Available”
Some are gender restricted because of cabin assignments.

If you wish to avail of a place, and you meet any criteria mentioned in the voyage description, please email [email protected] and include the name of the particular voyage you are interested in nd Name of Trainee, Age, Gender (for Cabin Assignment), Full postal address.

👉 Grab your place before they're gone! https://www.sailtrainingireland.com/voyages/
Best wishes
The STIrl Team