Sailcoach/ILCA Ireland Scholarships 

We are delighted to announce that Sailcoach and Trevor Millar will again offer two free Sailcoach Sailor Development Awards this season. To remind possible applicants, this is one month of free coaching, accommodation, boat charter and airport transfers for two sailors, one female and one male, at this fabulous Valencia training centre. Each award is worth €2,500 and, because it’s a full month during school-time, we obviously tend to think of it as a Transition Year programme, but for sailors from Northern Ireland, we also welcome applications from students who are in full-time study for GCSE’s.

If you want to apply to be considered for these awards, which will be announced and presented at the Nationals in July, you or your representative should email [email protected] before June 30th.  The selection committee is unchanged for this year ; Trevor, Sean Craig, our Youth Rep Catherine Tempany and our Southern Rep Eddie Kingston. As before, we will select the lucky winners based on attitude and suitability, as much as potential and talent. 

It really is a fantastic opportunity. See below a small taste of the great feedback we received from our two worthy winners in 2025, who are just back from their fantastic experiences in Valencia. See pic above.

Eduardo Gasset-Driane (Skerries Sailing Club) ; “The area I improved the most was my downwind sailing. I became more consistent at catching and maintaining waves, which made me faster and more confident. The atmosphere throughout the camp was excellent. Everyone got along well and there was a great balance between having fun and being competitive. A proper training environment and if you approach it with the right mindset you will not only improve your sailing but also create unforgettable memories.” 

Henrietta Leech (Lough Ree Sailing Club) ; “I got the opportunity to train and race with our group, but also with Spanish sailors.?The coaching was great and I got to train in conditions/sea state I wouldn’t normally have access to.?Our group was great fun and we got to attend local activities and events. I cannot thank ILCA Ireland and SailCoach enough.?It’s been a life changing event with lovely memories.”