World Sailing Coach Scholarships
Introducing the New Coach Scholarships
World Sailing is pleased to present the 2025-2028 Coach Scholarships, supported by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity fund.
Following an in-depth review by the World Sailing development team and the World Sailing Development and Regions Committee with input from the World Sailing Coaches and Team Leaders Commission, the coming quad will provide two distinct pathways for coaches – offering skills and expertise from grassroots participation to elite performance.
The updated programme will see two separate Coach Scholarship options, each providing different in-depth skills development for those who attend.
This means there are two options for Member National Authorities (MNAs), one supporting grassroots development and one for elite performance. The scholarships will be run separately, with separate application processes.
Performance Coach Scholarship
This programme aims to develop High Performance Coaches working at a National Level within their MNA. Attendees will be working with National Level Youth to Adult athletes and want to improve their skills and knowledge as a coach, as their athletes start to compete internationally.
Development Coach Scholarship
This programme is aimed at Coaches and Instructors with a drive to develop their grassroots sailing programme. The course will focus on the skills to teach sailing as well as how to develop a Learn to Sail Programme, how to run a sailing school and end with progressing to learn to race coaching.
Which Scholarships are available and when?
How is the Scholarship funded?
The scholarship can be funded in one of two ways:
- Olympic Solidarity Funding – Olympic Solidarity may support funding for applications from MNA candidates through its Sport-Specific Coach Scholarship Option. Those nations wishing to apply for Olympic Solidarity funding must first contact their National Olympic Committee (NOC) to request the appropriate application forms and then work with World Sailing to complete the process. For more information on Olympic Solidarity funding click here
- Private Funding – It is possible for an MNA or private sponsor to fund a participant’s attendance on the course. This funding would need to cover all course costs, boarding and travel to the course. Speak to World Sailing for more information on this option.
How can I apply for the 2025 Programme?
Information on the 2025 Programme and how MNAs can apply for their coaches to join, will be available shortly.
We are also hosting an online information session on the 2025 Performance Coach Scholarship on Thursday 10 April at 1200 BST. Coaches and National Federations can register for the session here
Previous Scholarship Attendees:
Rodrigo Colorado completed the scholarship in 2022. As President of the El Salvador Sailing Federation, he has expanded the sailing program, leading to his election as Vice President of the El Salvador Olympic Committee. His structured development pathway starts with 10-year-olds, balancing sailing and education to guide them until age 20. Since the first camp in 2019, he has built a competitive team, identifying future Olympians, instructors, and recreational sailors. This year, he aims to strengthen the foundation and welcome 50 new young sailors. The scholarship has provided essential tools and connections to refine and grow his initiative, ensuring sailing remains a lifelong pursuit while fostering productive careers.
Ridgely M. Balladares, graduate form 2024 is confidently managing the Philippine National Sailing Center, applying knowledge from the World Sailing Scholarship to enhance safety, professionalism, and excellence. He has implemented policies prioritising the well-being of athletes, coaches, families, and support systems, fostering a secure and supportive environment. These policies also guide the National Coaches, promoting professionalism and accountability aligned with the seminar’s principles.
The center is evolving into a model institution, setting high standards for safety, integrity, and success in sailing. A notable milestone is the arrival of boats designated for selected sailing clubs as part of the Philippine Sailing Association’s expansion. This marks the beginning of his long-term plan to give more people the opportunity to experience sailing across the region, promoting growth and inclusivity in the sport.
Through these initiatives, he remains dedicated to advancing sailing in the Philippines and fostering the next generation of sailors.
Ricardo Paranhos from Brazil, completed the scholarship in 2023. Since completing the World Sailing scholarship, he has dedicated himself to advancing sailing in Brazil as the Technical Coordinator at the Brazilian Sailing Confederation (CBVela). His work includes leading youth development programs, managing international projects, and coaching teams at major events. He has travelled across the country sharing the technical knowledge and innovative practices gained during the scholarship, conducting workshops, and fostering connections among athletes and coaches. A key highlight of his career was coaching the Brazilian 470 team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where the team proudly reached the medal race. He remains committed to implementing advanced training methodologies, optimizing athlete development pathways, and empowering the next generation of sailors through education, mentorship, and collaboration.