Sail Training Ireland has honoured trainees who took part in its 2025 voyages at an awards ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House. The event on Saturday, the 7th of February, was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam.
Award recipients were among 479 young people who sailed on four tall ships last year under programmes run by Sail Training Ireland (STIrl).
Since 2011, more than 4,500 young people from varied backgrounds and abilities have taken part in the charity’s voyages. Programmes are designed to build confidence, motivation and practical skills through structured training at sea.
STIrl trainees, Mentor Anita Oman Wrynn and STIrl Training Manager Sindy Offer
Participants included young people from youth and community groups, schools, employment organisations and residential care settings. Others came through Garda Diversion Projects, drug rehabilitation programmes and asylum seeker supports, as well as young people with visual, hearing and physical impairments. Several trainees addressed the ceremony, outlining the personal impact of their voyages.
Sail Training Ireland CEO Daragh Sheridan said the charity aims to make the experience accessible to all. “Sail Training Ireland aims to provide access to this life-changing experience for all young people across the island of Ireland,” he said.
“We are particularly proud of our work around disability and inclusion, which for the second year running resulted in thirty percent of our places this year being taken up by young people with a disability or additional need.” He added that funding from the Department of Defence in 2026 would allow the charity to reach more young people.
Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said the programme promotes education, sport and leadership development in a maritime setting. “The charity offers this opportunity to young people from all backgrounds and with all abilities,” he said. “I am delighted that the generous contribution from Dublin City Council in 2025 has helped 133 young people from Dublin to participate.”
STIrl Chairman Robert Barker, STIrl Trainee of the Year Paulius Vilimas, Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Ray McAdam
Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company have supported the initiative since the Tall Ships Race Festival in 2012.
Planned highlights for 2026 include the Asgard Armada Voyage involving two vessels and more than 20 trainees. An Erasmus+ youth exchange between Ireland and Malta is also scheduled. Transition Year and Gaisce voyages will continue, alongside four STEM at Sea voyages focused on ocean science.
Thirty young people from Dublin’s north-east inner city are set to participate under the Taoiseach’s NEIC initiative. Regional schemes are planned for Drogheda, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Derry, Belfast, Wexford and Waterford. Cross-border voyages will again include young people from both Northern Ireland and the Republic.
The charity is supported by the Department of Defence, Dublin City Council and Dublin Port Company.
