Making Waves Youth Sailing Scholarship

The Making Waves Youth Sailing Scholarship, proudly sponsored by Cullen Bay Marina & Darwin Sailing Club, provides young people with an exciting opportunity to learn to sail, develop new skills, and explore future career pathways in the maritime industry.

Program Overview

Stage 1 - Learn to Sail Camp

Scholarship recipients will participate in a five-day sailing program over the June School Holidays, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of sailing activities:

23 June - 27 June 2025

Days 1-3: Learn essential sailing skills, guided by experienced instructors.
Day 4: Sailing aboard RS Quest dinghies and refine new skills.
- Day 5: Experience other water-based activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, wing foiling, powerboating, and more.
  
  After completing the Learn to Sail camp, participants will have the opportunity to register and compete in YouthSail NT, (30 June - 4 July) a fun-filled youth sailing regatta in the Northern Territory.

Stage 2 - Ongoing Development

Following the initial 1 week intensive learn to sail camp, recipients will be enrolled in our bi-weekly Youth Fleet program, held every Monday and Friday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM throughout Term 3 and the following sailing season.

Stage 3 - Career Pathways

Scholarship holders will have the opportunity to enroll in our Assistant Instructor Course, conducted each April at the start of the Dry Season. This serves as an entry point to our Instructor Development Program (IDP), offering potential paid employment and further maritime career opportunities.

About Cullen Bay Marina & Darwin Sailing Club

Cullen Bay Marina

Cullen Bay is Darwin’s premier all-tide-access marina and residential estate, offering stunning harbor views, vibrant dining, and access to charter boats and ferries.

Cullen Bay supports the Darwin Sailing Club program and is proud to be the sponsor of scholarships for young people who may otherwise be unable to access the benefits from sailing. Learning to sail provides young people with skills, increases confidence, generates friendships, develops leadership skills, and promotes exercise in a healthy environment. The scholarships can provide unique pathways for a start to a career in the maritime industry for young people.

Darwin Sailing Club

Established in 1963, Darwin Sailing Club (DSC) is the largest sailing club in the Northern Territory, hosting nationally accredited learn-to-sail and coaching programs for all ages. Our Training Academy, one of the busiest in Australia, operates 7 days a week and offers youth training programs recognized for SACE Stage 1 credit points. In addition to on-water activities, DSC is a major hospitality venue, welcoming over 50,000 visitors annually.

The Benefits of Sailing

Sailing is more than just a sport—it’s a pathway to personal growth, resilience, and confidence. Benefits include:

Reduced stress
Improved mental wellness
Increased confidence
Enhanced teamwork and leadership skills
Strengthened concentration and problem-solving abilities
New challenges and exciting experiences

Apply Today!

If the Making Waves Youth Sailing Scholarship sounds like something you would be interested in, please apply today

We will ask that you also get a character reference from your teacher or school principal and that you agree to be interviewed by a journalist (you will be coached beforehand and supported).

These criteria collectively ensures that the selected candidates not only have the necessary skills and attributes for sports participation but also demonstrate commitment, potential and a willingness to engage with the scholarship program's requirements.

If you do not yet have a character reference, please apply anyway and send the reference via email to sailing@dwnsail.com.au once you have received it from your teacher/principal.

Apply Now