Tried and tested sailors that know a jib from a mainsail and are preparing to head off to college are well advised to consider applying for sailing scholarships. Throughout North America, there are several universities that offer scholarships to those showing aptitude in the sport.

Like any athletic-based scholarship, sailing scholarships are offered to those who have demonstrated success with the sport. Because the activity is very esoteric, and one that does not always bring in a lot of revenue for the university, potential scholarship recipients often need to show high scholastic marks to supplement the ship-side skills.

The Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) procedural rules stipulate that students applying for such scholarships must show scholastic aptitude in addition to the boating skills. This is to ensure life success after the student graduates from the university, since the water-based sport is often not to be their main source of employment and income. The student with the proprietary skills, however, gets the added financial relief from high tuition costs through the sailing scholarship, which helps set the student up for financial and career success in post-university life.

To stand out in a sea of candidates, sailing scholarship applicants need to compile an educational curriculum vitae (CV), as well as a comprehensive resume illustrating their knowledge and accomplishments. In the age of instant communications and Internet videos, having a set of video films from racing and sailing events helps the applicant get noticed.

Should an applicant be offered an interview with the university sailing team's coach, the student needs to dress for the occasion and show not just the sport's skills, but social skills and graces that illustrate the young sailor is sincere in succeeding throughout the university sailing and academic culture.

Applicants who are unsure whether the college or university they wish to attend offers sailing scholarships should take the time to find out. Putting together an athletic program with an academic program could help the student coordinate financial and academic goals. When considering college scholarship applications and application letters to college, the local sailing instructor may be able to recommend a college with a solid program, or may be able to write a letter or recommendation to the school of the student's choice. Ask the registrar of chosen university or seek out geographically relevant universities that would benefit from such programs and then inquire.

Those fortunate enough to be granted a scholarship must maintain a high degree of academic integrity and diligence. Many such scholarships require a minimum grade point average (GPA) be maintained throughout the academic time spent at the university. Failure to do so often results in suspension of the scholarship.

Having skills in boating in general, and sailing in particular, often means there is a passion for the sport. It is nice having no tuition or living expenses during university, particularly when these expenses are covered as a result of aptitude in a sport. Leaving college with little to no debt puts sailors on the fast track to life's successes.