CALLING IRELAND’S YOUNG ADVENTURERS:
Atlantic Shackleton Launches Nationwide Search for Four Young Crew Members for the Round Ireland Race.
The newly launched Spirit of Shackleton today announced an extraordinary opportunity for four young people aged 18 – 25 from across the island of Ireland to take part in one of the country’s greatest offshore sailing challenges, the legendary Round Ireland Yacht Race this June.
Inspired by the spirit of Sir Ernest Shackleton, resilience, courage, teamwork and determination. The initiative will give up to four successful applicants the chance to become part of the Atlantic Shackleton racing yacht the Spirit of Shackleton crew for a once-in-a-lifetime sail training and racing adventure.
The berths, including training, are funded by the Atlantic Youth Trust charity whose mission is to connect young people with the ocean, exploration and adventure.
The competition is open to 18 – 25 year-olds from all walks of life. While sailing experience is welcome, it is not essential.
What matters most is attitude.
The organisers are searching for applicants who demonstrate energy, grit, positivity, teamwork, curiosity and a willingness to learn under pressure, qualities that defined Shackleton himself.
Successful applicants will be invited to Dún Laoghaire for a special assessment and sail training weekend, where they will meet the crew, experience offshore sailing and take part in team exercises before the final selection is made.
Two young men and two young women will ultimately be chosen from that sail training weekend to join the Atlantic Shackleton Spirit of Shackleton team for the Round Ireland Race.
“This is about far more than sailing”, said Naomh McElhatton, Executive Director of the Atlantic Shackleton..
“We want to find young people who embody the Shackleton mindset, people who are prepared to push themselves, support others, embrace challenges and discover what they are truly capable of. You do not need to come from a sailing background. This opportunity is about character, endurance, teamwork and adventure.”
The Round Ireland Race is regarded as one of Europe’s great offshore sailing events, testing seamanship, resilience and teamwork around the entire 704 miles of the Irish coastline. It is also a RORC qualifying race.
The Spirit of Shackleton project aims to inspire a new generation of young Irish adventurers and demonstrate that opportunity, exploration and personal growth are open to everyone willing to step forward and challenge themselves.
Applications are now open!
Applicants are invited to submit:
A short application (written or video)
- Detailing why they wish to take part
- What adventure, teamwork and challenge mean to them personally. The impact of participation in the race on their future.
- Any relevant sporting, outdoor, community, school, family, life or leadership experience
The organisers particularly encourage applications from young people who may never have considered offshore sailing before.
This is not simply a competition. It is an invitation to adventure.
Successful applicants will be asked to create a reflective journal during and after the event in written, video or another suitable format.
Final selection and numbers will be at the total discretion of the organisers. If not selected there will be other voyage opportunities. The carriage of passengers on the Spirit of Shackleton is subject to licence.
Application Details
Applicants aged: 18 – 25
Open to: applicants across the island of Ireland
Briefing & assembly: Friday, 05 June 1430 hrs Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Training weekend: 05 – 07 June on the Irish Sea, departing Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Event: Round Ireland Yacht Race – Saturday, 20 June 2026
Closing date: Friday, 29 May at 1300 UT +1
Application submission and further information: https://tinyurl.com/around-ireland-youth-bursary
