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Displaying items by tag: Drogheda Sail Training Bursary

#TallshipBursary - The launch of the Drogheda Sail Training Bursary from sponsor Drogheda Port Company took place on Friday 28th April.

The launch marked a unique new sponsorship structure between Public and Private enterprise from the locality. Drogheda Port Company and Louth County Council have teamed up with Irish Cement and Fast Terminals to form the new financial driver of this remarkable youth sail training initiative which is going from strength to strength. The four sponsoring partners are very strong advocates of social corporate responsibility and are committed to the growth and longevity of this bursary scheme.

Although Drogheda is a very proud maritime town the reality is most local youngsters have little experience of anything maritime. In 2013 Drogheda Port Company and Sail Training Ireland joined forces and established the Drogheda Sail Training Bursary in a bid to change that but in a unique and self-educating way.

Sail Training Ireland is the National Sail Training Organisation and a charity with youth development at its core, its patron is President Michael D Higgins. The Drogheda Sail Training Bursary was the first of its kind in Ireland, the anchor scheme, which has led to the subsequent development of similar bursaries in Cork, Belfast, Waterford and Derry so far.

Sail training requires participants to confront many demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and the acceptance of personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. For most who undertake sail training it is a positive life-changing experience.

To date the Drogheda Sail Training Bursary has funded 8 amazing voyages for 72 local youths. Going forward the aim is development and progression and to offer international voyages on world class Tall Ships. None of this would be possible without the local bursary sponsors, Irish Cement, Fast Terminals, Louth County Council and Drogheda Port Company, who are all very committed to this initiative.

To date the scheme has been oversubscribed each year with the participation of sponsoring organisations and schools such as St Mary’s Diocesan School, C.A.B.L.E & Foroige youth projects, Greenhills School, Drogheda Grammar School, Scoil Ui Mhuiri Dunleer, Ardee Community School, Colaiste na hInse Bettystown, Louth and Meath ETB, Drogheda Youth Reach, 18th Meath Scouts & Dunshaughlin Girl Guides.

The scheme caters for young adults between the ages of 16 to 21 years and further information can be obtained from;
Nessa Lally, Drogheda Port Company, 041 9838378, [email protected]
Sara Mason, Sail Training Ireland, 01 8559597, [email protected]

Published in Tall Ships

Crosshaven Boat Yard is the Irish distributor for Dufour Yachts of France. Crosshaven Boatyard offers a complete range of top quality Cruising and Racing yachts from 32 feet to 52 feet.

Crosshaven Boat Yard was established over 60 years ago and has been a family-based operation since its early days.

The Yard originally specialised in building commercial fishing boats and small pleasure craft, both sail and power and is famous for its involvement in the construction of a number of significant yachts such as Gypsy Moth V, Saint Brendan, Longbow II and a series of Moondusters were completed up to the early ’80s.

Crosshaven Boat Yard installed the first commercial marina, with a Marine Travel hoist, in Ireland in 1979. This era saw a major change of emphasis in the business and since then we have concentrated on all aspects of the repair, care and maintenance.

The Cork Harbour company also offer, the White Shark Range of Sports Boats cater for angling and water skiing interests.

Crosshaven Boatyard are also agents for the popular Seaward Range of Motor Cruisers from 19′ to 42′.

The firm's Brokerage service consistently achieves top results for our large client base and we can offer the best professional advice whether you are a buyer or a boat owner.

The yard is situated just a stone's throw from the Royal Cork Yacht Club,  the oldest yacht club in the world founded in 1720.