Sail Training International

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £100,000+ across all programmes
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-3 months from EOI to decision
• Grant Range: £500-£600 (individual bursaries), £5,000-£10,000 (organisational grants)
• Geographic Focus: International (29 countries)

Contact Details

• Website: www.sailtraininginternational.org
• Email: office@sailtraininginternational.org
• Phone: 02392 586367
• Registered Charity Number: 1096846

Overview

Sail Training International (STI) is a UK-registered charity founded to foster international understanding and youth development through sail training experiences. As a not-for-profit international organisation operating across 29 countries, STI combines direct youth support through bursaries with organisational grant-making to expand sail training opportunities globally. Their mission centres on “fostering understanding across nations and cultures through providing sail training to young people around the world inspiring them to live a fulfilling life.” Beyond organising The Tall Ships Races and Regattas, STI manages multiple funding streams, supporting both individual young people and organisations that deliver sail training programmes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Youth Development Fund: Up to £10,000 per project (£25,000 total fund)

• Supports organisations worldwide delivering sail training to ages 14-25
• Rolling annual application cycle with July EOI deadline
• Focus on disadvantaged youth and innovative programme models

Canada Legacy Fund: $25,000 CAD annually

• For programmes with 60%+ Canadian participants
• Supports new programmes or expansion of existing projects
• Annual application cycle aligned with Youth Development Fund

Research Fund: Up to £10,000 per project

• Supports research on sail training effectiveness and maritime education
• Open to individuals and organisations
• Focus on demonstrating programme outcomes and innovation

Individual Bursaries: £500-£600

• Direct support to young people aged 15-25
• Multiple named bursary programmes (Oman Bursary Scheme awards max £500, John E. Burnett Bursary awards max £600)
• Priority for financially/physically disadvantaged youth

Priority Areas

• Youth development and personal growth through sail training
• International cultural exchange and understanding
• Support for disadvantaged young people
• Innovative sail training programme models
• Research demonstrating sail training effectiveness
• Maritime heritage preservation and education

What They Don't Fund

• Programmes not using approved sail training vessels
• Activities outside age range 14-25
• For-profit organisations
• General organisational operating costs
• Programmes without clear youth development outcomes

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team:

• Alan James - Chief Executive Officer
• Vanessa Mori - Commercial Director
• Magda Makowska - Race Director

Board Leadership:

• James George - Chair of Trustees
• Jan G. Van der Burg - Chairman of Tall Ships Races International Limited

STI operates with a professional team dedicated to expanding sail training opportunities globally, with governance oversight from experienced trustees in the maritime and charity sectors.

How to Apply to Sail Training International

How to Apply

Organisations apply through a two-stage process:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) submission
2. Full application upon EOI approval

Applications are submitted online through the STI website. Pre-application consultation is encouraged through direct contact with the STI office.

Decision Timeline

• EOI Deadline: 31 July
• EOI Assessment: By 30 August
• Full Application Deadline: 30 September
• Grant Decisions: November
• Project Completion: By 14 October of following year

Total timeline from EOI to decision: approximately 4 months

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. Given the specialised nature of sail training and requirement for approved vessels, the applicant pool is likely smaller than general grant-makers.

Reapplication Policy

Organisations can reapply in subsequent funding rounds. Previous recipients are eligible to apply for new projects or programme expansions.

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements:

• Must use an approved sail training vessel meeting STI criteria
• Clear focus on disadvantaged young people aged 14-25
• Demonstrable outcomes for personal development and international understanding
• Strong project management and evaluation plans
• Evidence of organisational capacity to deliver

What Makes Applications Stand Out:

• Innovation in reaching underserved youth populations
• Strong partnerships with local communities
• Clear sustainability plan beyond grant period
• Measurable impact on youth development outcomes
• International collaboration elements

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Vessel does not meet approved criteria
• Insufficient focus on disadvantaged youth
• Weak evaluation or outcome measurement plans
• Budget inconsistencies or unrealistic costings

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• STI is a specialised funder focused exclusively on sail training - general youth programmes without maritime elements will not qualify
• Two-stage application process requires early engagement through EOI by 31 July
• Vessel requirements are non-negotiable - confirm vessel approval before applying
• Strong preference for programmes serving disadvantaged youth with clear barriers to participation
• International collaboration and cultural exchange elements strengthen applications
• Relatively small grant amounts (£10,000 max for organisations) suit programme expansion rather than core funding
• Consider applying to multiple STI funds if eligible (Youth Development, Canada Legacy, Research)

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation
• Jack Petchey Foundation
• Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation
• The Clarkson Foundation
• Seafarers Uk (king George's Fund For Sailors)
• Sofronie Foundation
• David And Elaine Potter Foundation
• Society Of The Holy Child Jesus Cio
• Honor Frost Foundation
• The Lister Charitable Trust

References

• Sail Training International official website (www.sailtraininginternational.org)
• Youth Development Fund page (sailtraininginternational.org/sailtraining/youth-development-fund/)
• Canada Legacy Fund page (sailtraininginternational.org/sailtraining/canada-legacy-fund/)
• Research Fund page (sailtraininginternational.org/sailtraining/research-fund/)
• Bursaries information (sailtraininginternational.org/sailonboard/support/bursaries/)
• Leadership team information (sailtraininginternational.org/sailtraining/meet-the-team/)
• Charity Commission register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1096846)