Meet the Individual Grant Scheme recipient: Ruairí Kennedy
RYA Northern Ireland has released the first round of Individual Grant Scheme funding which is a bursary designed to improve access in sailing for sailors or coaches.
By supporting the development of individuals within the sport, where financial constraints would otherwise be a barrier, RYA Northern Ireland aims to boost participation levels and increase the diversity of the Northern Irish sailing community.
One of the early successful applicants was 16-year-old Ruairí Kennedy from Carlingford Lough Yacht Club and Coleraine Yacht Club who hopes to use the grant to fund his Dinghy Instructor course.
Ruairí has an undeniable passion for sailing, and he paid for his Dinghy Instructor Pre-Assessment Course and RYA Power Boat Level 2 courses by saving money he earned during the summer. He is determined to fund his own way to becoming an RYA qualified Dinghy Instructor and wants to demonstrate that sailing is not an elitist sport if a 16-year-old can pay their own way.
He said: “I first got into sailing during Covid. My dad bought back the boat that he sold ten years ago, and we went out for a few day sails. I just loved it!
“With sailing, I love the feeling of freedom. I’m in control and it’s nice to get away from the noises of the land.
“I’m going to use the Individual Grant Scheme money for my Dinghy Instructor course to work at Carlingford Lough Yacht Club, but hopefully that qualification will bring me round the world. I can use it anywhere!
“I would love to do the Vendée Globe race- that would be a massive dream! I would also like to do the Fastnet Race or other long-distance races and be a part of a crew.
“Sometimes I think I’m mad! Sometimes it’s not nice weather at all and it’s blowing a gale but that’s my favourite time. My friends that don’t do it just don’t understand it.”
Apply for Individual Grant Scheme funding
The funding has been made available as a combination of £1807 raised from a raffle at the RYA Northern Ireland 50th Anniversary Dinner as well as money that RYA Northern Ireland has committed to help launch the scheme.
Thanks to this money, successful grant applicants can receive up to £400 in one calendar year.
Anyone in Northern Ireland can apply for the bursary, including coaches, participants, instructors, and officials, but priority will be given to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, women and girls and those with a disability or long-term health condition.
You can also read more information about the fund on the Frequently Asked Questions document.
If you would like to apply for Individual Grant Scheme funding, click here.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported the Individual Grant Scheme so far through generous donations. If you would like to support the scheme, click here.
If you have further questions about the Individual Grant Scheme, please contact greg.yarnall@rya.org.uk