World Sailing is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Performance Coach Scholarship are now officially open.
World Sailing
Application deadline is 25 June.
Following the successful implementation of the revised World Sailing Coach Scholarship framework approved by Olympic Solidarity, the scholarship offers an expansive twelve-month learning pathway. This includes a four-week residential training block plus two comprehensive online modules (each with four sessions) and dedicated project mentoring.
The residential phase of the Performance Coach Scholarship will run from 21 September to 17 October 2026 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in the United Kingdom and delivered in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Performance Academy.
Designed to cultivate the next generation of elite sailing coaches, this intensive initiative is tailored specifically for coaches working at a national level who support youth and adult athletes transitioning into international competition.
Fiona Kidd, World Sailing’s Head of International Development, said, “As we open the application window for the Performance Coach Scholarship, we are looking for dedicated coaches who are ready to elevate their skills and guide their nations’ sailors onto the international stage. Thanks to the generous funding provided by Olympic Solidarity, we are able to offer a world-class, twelve-month learning pathway that bridges elite practical residency with rigorous online academic modules.
“The competition for these ten places will undoubtedly be fierce, and we strongly encourage all Member National Authorities to engage early with their National Olympic Committees to secure this career-defining opportunity for their top coaches.”
The scholarship features a maximum cohort size of 10 participants, ensuring highly personalised elite instruction and peer-to-peer collaboration.
Member National Authorities (MNAs) must first have their candidates selected by World Sailing, after which they must actively engage with their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to process the formal Olympic Solidarity application.
Application deadline is 25 June.
The selection process will be competitive, and World Sailing urges all eligible MNAs to submit their applications promptly as soon as possible. Candidate participation remains contingent upon securing necessary visa approvals and obtaining National Olympic Committee support for individual travel costs.
The selection of the 10 successful candidates will be confirmed on or before 3 July.
More information on the Performance Coach Scholarship is available here.