Dublin – December 6, 2019
ICRA, supported by Irish Sailing, believe it is important to encourage young sailors to stay active in the sport and to foster their continued commitment as members of your clubs.
Today ICRA are launching a new “Under 25“ support programme to help clubs encourage and deliver a pathway from dinghy to cruiser racing.
Funded by ICRA and Irish Sailing, this programme is offered directly to sailing clubs across the country.
Over the next three years, ICRA will deliver support funding that will provide successful applicant clubs with an initial Capital Grant that will help them buy a keelboat for their U25 squad. The scheme will then continue to provide an annual allowance to assist the same clubs to run their U25 programme until it is well established.
The Irish Cruiser Racing Association is now seeking “Expressions of Interest” from Sailing Clubs throughout Ireland to join our U25 Support Programme.
We are aware that some clubs have already taken the initiative to start their own Under 25 programmes. ICRA also invite these clubs join our new National “Under 25” support programme, and avail of funding to support the continued success of those schemes.
Commodore Richard Colwell commented “There is no doubt that the future of sailing is in the hands of youth and ICRA’s Brian Raftery has worked hard to come up with a comprehensive programme that will encourage and nurture young potential sailors. We are grateful for his efforts and look forward to reaping the rewards of this exciting new initiative”.