World Sailing Training Scholarship
What is the Training Scholarship?
The World Sailing Training Scholarship is a seven-week residential programme, designed to develop the skills of practicing coaches or those individuals already working in a training manager capacity.
This intensive course is designed to up skill participants in a variety of different areas in order for them to be able to lead the development of a National Training Programme and train the next cohort of instructors and coaches within their National Federation.
Participants experience all variety of sailing disciplines including Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Dinghy, Multihull and Keelboats. Participants also hone their practical skills in Power boat handling and safety. Project management is a key feature of the course, allowing the participants to develop the skills required to maintain such a programme within the unique sailing ‘landscape’ of their home nations.
The scholarship creates a great network of training individuals from across the world who share their own experiences and best practises to guide what will work best in their nation.
“ The Programme was amazing, absolutely amazing. Meeting people from other regions in different sailing conditions, traditions, social, economic, political influences, opened my eyes to a wider scenario. ”
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.
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.
Samuel Gonçalves from Brazil is a graduate of the 2019 course. Upon his return to Brazil Samuel has launched the Brazilian Sailing academy, of which he is the manager, the academy runs training and workshop for sailors and coaches throughout Brazil. The aim of the Academy is not only to share knowledge, but also to create networking. Through online meetings, the participants could engage conversations with directors, club officers, coaches, instructors and sailors. In 2021, Samuel was also selected to join the World Sailing Development and Regions committee, a committee whose purpose is to guide the development decision of World Sailing.
Raema von Reiche attended the 2017 scholarship from Samoa. As president of the Samoan Sailing Federation, Raema has carried out numerous initiatives to support the development of sailing. These include running race officials courses and a Para Sailing Development Program in the lead up to the Pacific games in 2019, all whilst being the head coach for performance sailing too.
Essam Elwy from Egypt attended the scholarship in 2017. Now in in his role as technical manager of national teams, he has seen two sailors qualify and race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. Not only this but Essam has also gained sponsors for the national programme and built a solid youth pathway programme through to the senior squads.