Final call for Clipper bursary scheme

Those interested in availing of the opportunity to train alongside the Derry Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2015/16 crew are being advised to get their applications in before this weekend.

 The ‘Your Next Chapter’ Bursary  is open to young people aged 18 and over, who are currently unemployed, participating in an employability programme or in receipt of benefits, and living in the Derry City Council or Strabane District Council areas.

Four selected participants will get to spend four weeks undertaking the training required to sail the 70 foot ocean racing yachts, which all race crew members have to complete at the Clipper Race headquarters in Gosport, South England.

The Clipper 2015-16 Race returns to Derry in June next year, which marks the city’s third team entry in the world’s longest ocean race.

‘Your Next Chapter’ follows the success of the ‘Back to Work’ bursary project that Derry City Council ran in partnership with the Clipper 2011-12 Race. 

Of the five finalists who were each selected to sail a leg each of the Clipper Race, four ended up in full time employment or a placement as a direct result of the scheme. All of the participants agreed that the scheme had a positive effect on their future employment.  

Those interested in taking part are urged to apply by downloading the application form available online at www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipperrace.  A strict criteria is in place for all applicants, and no participants in the previous ‘Back to Work’ scheme are eligible to apply.  The bursary package is estimated to be worth over £5,000 and those lucky enough to be chosen will avail of  this funding to cover all flights, accommodation, kit and living expenses.

The closing date for application is March 9. Successful applicants will be required to be interviewed at the end of March and be available to travel to England for level 1 and 2 training in early May and for level 3 and 4 training at the end of June/beginning of July.