Making Waves Youth Sailing Scholarship

The Making Waves Youth Sailing Scholarship, proudly sponsored by Darwin Port & 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:

22 June - 26 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,
  (July 6-8 & July 9-10) 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 Darwin Port & Darwin Sailing Club

Darwin Port

As Australia’s nearest port to Asia and the nation’s ‘northern gateway’, Darwin Port is a critical part of a seamless supply chain and is an economic enabler capable of handling multiple types of shipping and cargo. Darwin Port continues to grow its workforce and develop the infrastructure to meet future customer needs.

Darwin Port stays anchored in community through partnerships and active involvement in a diverse range of sponsorship campaigns which remains a pivotal priority and strong commitment, here in the Northern Territory.

As a proud long term Gold Sponsor of the Club, this year they are pleased to support the Making Waves Youth Sailing Scholarship, providing young Territorians with valuable opportunities to grow their keen interest, skills, and a potential career in sailing. This pathway encourages and promotes healthy and dynamic on water activity, with a robust and fun program delivered through camps, and qualified instruction and courses. Darwin Port are delighted to assist with delivering local grassroots initiatives, where recreational club sailing and commercial shipping can both share and enjoy the tropical waters of Darwin Harbour

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