Help With Funding 2027

Who Can Apply?

Bursaries are available to young people and vulnerable adults who:

• Meet the age requirements of the sailing programme.
• Have identified which sailing trip they want to join.
• Would not otherwise be able to participate because of financial barriers.
• Complete the bursary application form and provide any supporting information requested.

What Can a Bursary Cover?

Depending on individual circumstances, bursaries may contribute towards:

• Voyage or trip fees.
• Essential sailing clothing or equipment or kit hire costs.
• Travel to and from the embarkation/disembarkation points.
• Mandatory training/qualification fees required for the trip.
• Reasonable subsistence during travel.
• Additional accessibility-related expenses.

How Are Applications Assessed?

Applications are assessed fairly and confidentially against a range of factors, including:

• Financial need.
• Personal or social barriers to participation.
• The likely developmental and educational benefits of the voyage.
• Wellbeing considerations.
• Efforts made to secure support from other sources where appropriate.

We are committed to ensuring that the process is inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory.

How Much Support Is Available?

Bursaries are awarded according to established Assessment Criteria, individual need and available funds. Support may range from a partial contribution towards costs to a 95% bursary in exceptional cases and subject to funding availability.  Awards are made using the Assessment Criteria to ensure that available funding reaches those who would benefit most.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the bursary application form and submit any requested supporting information by any published deadline ahead of a voyage, usually two weeks.

We understand that discussing financial circumstances can be sensitive. All applications are treated confidentially and will be reviewed only by authorised members of the assessment team.  Financial evidence will not normally be requested for applications of up to 75% of funding.

Decisions

Applicants should receive acknowledgement within 5 working days of a complete application being received.  Decisions on the outcome will normally be given within 10-15 working days of a complete application form being received.

Appeals

If you believe that an application has not been assessed correctly, you may request a review of the decision in accordance with our appeals process.

Discounts

Where a recognised group or organisation wishes to make a whole vessel booking but cannot find enough participants to fill all of the available berths, it will normally be the case that a % reduction on the voyage fee will be offered to keep the fee to that which would apply if all the berths were filled.  A minimum of five participants (excluding group leaders) is needed for the discount to apply.  Application is by email to sailing@offshore.gov.uk  giving details of the group, voyage and number of confirmed participants.

A whole voyage discount is independent of any individual’s application for a Bursary.

Our Commitment

Our bursary scheme aims to:

• Increase access to sailing opportunities for young people from all backgrounds.
• Remove financial barriers to participation.
• Promote inclusion, confidence, teamwork and personal development.
• Ensure funding is distributed fairly, consistently and transparently.

For further information or to request a Bursary application form, please contact sailing@offshore.org.uk