Sail Training International

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £100,000+ in bursaries (2019)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-3 months from EOI to decision
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £10,000 (organizations), £500 individual bursaries
• 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 organization operating across 29 countries, STI combines direct youth support through bursaries with organizational grant-making to expand sail training opportunities globally. Their mission centers 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 organizing The Tall Ships Races and Regattas, STI manages multiple funding streams totaling over £100,000 annually, supporting both individual young people and organizations that deliver sail training programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Youth Development Fund: Up to £10,000 per project

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

Canada Legacy Fund: $25,000 CAD annually

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

Research Fund: Up to £10,000 total fund

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

Individual Bursaries: £500-£5,000

• Direct support to young people aged 15-25
• Multiple named bursary programs (Oman, Marlow Navigation)
• 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 program models
• Research demonstrating sail training effectiveness
• Maritime heritage preservation and education

What They Don't Fund

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

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team:

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

Board Leadership:

• James George - Chair of Trustees
• Jan G. Van der Burg - Chair 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

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

Total timeline from EOI to decision: approximately 4 months

Success Rates

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

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply in subsequent funding rounds. Previous recipients are eligible to apply for new projects or program 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 organizational 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 specialized funder focused exclusively on sail training - general youth programs without maritime elements will not qualify
• Two-stage application process requires early engagement through EOI by July 31
• Vessel requirements are non-negotiable - confirm vessel approval before applying
• Strong preference for programs serving disadvantaged youth with clear barriers to participation
• International collaboration and cultural exchange elements strengthen applications
• Relatively small grant amounts (£10,000 max) suit program 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
• The Clarkson Foundation
• Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation
• Jack Petchey Foundation
• The Lister Charitable Trust
• Sofronie Foundation
• Seafarers Uk (king George's Fund For Sailors)
• Viquaran Nisa Noon And Firoz Khan Noon Educational Foundation
• Honor Frost Foundation
• The James Dyson Foundation

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/) -