World Sailing's 2026 Development Coach Scholarship Programme concludes in Portland
by World Sailing 30 May 11:25 BST
World Sailing 2026 Development Coach Scholarship Programme © World Sailing
World Sailing has wrapped up the 2026 Development Coach Scholarship, an intensive four-week residential programme delivered in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation and held at the world-class Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy.
The programme saw nine exceptional candidates - three women and six men - selected from a pool of 36 applications. The coaches represented nine Member National Authorities (MNAs) including Algeria, Belize, Jamaica, India, Mauritius, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Fiona Kidd, World Sailing's Head of International Development, said, "The completion of this year's Development Coach Scholarship marks a fantastic milestone for our sport's global expansion. By refining our framework into a hybrid model, we are now providing an even more targeted, accessible, and effective development pathway for coaches across our Member National Authorities.
"Witnessing these nine coaches develop over their four-week residency, which tackled everything from safeguarding to practical foiling, has been incredibly inspiring. We are confident they will return home to build robust national sailing training programmes, following in the footsteps of our distinguished alumni who have gone on to become MNA Presidents and leading international race officials."
The initiative represents an important component of World Sailing's ongoing commitment to global coaching excellence and grassroots growth.
Under the newly redesigned framework approved by Olympic Solidarity in 2025, the scholarship has transitioned from its traditional seven-week model into a more flexible, eight-month hybrid format.
Responding to participant feedback for shorter in-residence periods, the new structure combines the four-week practical residency with online course-specific modules and structured project mentoring.
The Development Coach Scholarship specifically targets grassroots sailing expansion, equipping coaches with qualifications, including Technical Courses for Coaches Level 1 and 2, powerboat and safety boat handling, safeguarding, and Para and Inclusion sailing. Participants also gained critical insights into building national sail training programmes, operational management, and practical foiling experience.
The impact of this scholarship scheme is globally recognised, with distinguished alumni over the past several years going on to become Member National Authority Presidents, International Race Officials, and high-performance national coaches.
Fully funded by Olympic Solidarity, the modernised scholarship model ensures that Member National Authorities can continue to establish sustainable, high-quality development pathways for coaches worldwide, fostering the growth of the sport from the roots up.