Tony Wright, the ISA’s Training Manager commenting on the figures stated that he was delighted that once again, the ISA along with all of our accredited ISA Training Centers, have been successful in introducing so many people to boating and in helping many others to develop their skills and become competent, committed, lifelong sailors and boaters. While it looks like 2009 may prove to be a challenging environment to keep the numbers on an upward trajectory we should remember that it is not all just about numbers. Each ISA certificate issued represents an personal achievement for an individual whether it is a Taste of Sailing Certificate or their Yachtmaster Ocean. Every course completed means someone has gained in skills, experience and knowledge and there is a good chance they have made new friends and experienced some of Irelands fabulous outdoors while doing so.
Figures for the numbers of people completing ISA training courses in 2008 indicate healthy growth with a total of over 17,000 certificates issued say the Irishy Sailing Association. The Small Boat Sailing Scheme remains the busiest with some 11,500 people successfully completing training courses. 3500 Powerboat courses, 1100 Windsurf and 925 Cruising certificates make up the bulk of the remaining numbers. During the course of the year 450 ISA instructors and coaches were trained and another 550 were revalidated.
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