Scholarships for sailing athletes?

I'm a high school sailor and curious if there are scholarships for students like me. Are there sailing programs that offer scholarships, or should I look more broadly in the general athlete category?

Absolutely, there are indeed scholarships specifically for sailing athletes. In fact, some colleges and universities with sailing teams do offer scholarships. However, understand that sailing is not an NCAA sport but instead falls under the jurisdiction of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA). Most scholarships for sailing tend to come from outside organizations rather than directly from colleges.

For instance, the Intercollegiate Sailing Association does offer an annual Student Leadership Award which includes a scholarship. There's also the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta which offers scholarships specifically for sailors with disabilities.

While it's a great idea to also look into general athletic scholarships, keep in mind that they can be quite competitive due to a broader applicant pool.

Also remember, while athletic scholarships can significantly help offset the cost of college, it's also important not to overlook academic scholarships and other types of financial aid. Many colleges also factor in academics alongside athletic performance when considering scholarship candidates. Be sure to balance your time and dedication between your sport and your studies to become a well-rounded applicant.

Lastly, consider expanding your search to local yacht clubs and sailing associations as they may also offer scholarships to support young sailors.

Good luck in your college pursuit and continue excelling in your sport of sailing!