The Chairman of the company is the Minister for Defence and most of the other directors are experienced yachts people with a keen interest in sail training. Coiste an Asgard is also a founding member of Sail Training International, the body which regulates sail training throughout the world.

While Asgard II is owned by the State and the Minister for Defence is its registered owner, it is not a Naval Service vessel

Asgard II

This lovely brigantine, which was designed specially for sail training purposes by the late Jack Tyrrell was built in Arklow, Co. Wicklow and commissioned there on 7th March, 1981.

Sail Training Scheme

The sail training scheme is operated by Coiste an Asgard on the Irish sail training vessel Asgard II. You will have the opportunity to go to sea on a traditionally rigged sailing ship. While on board you will learn about the sea and sailing and will live with the other trainees on the vessel. You will share the many tasks and activities associated with the running of a sailing ship.

The aim of our sail training scheme is to give young people the confidence and ability to face new challenges while at the same time teaching them how to mix well with other young people from all walks of life and generally giving them a greater appreciation and understanding of others.

Anyone over 16 years of age can apply for a berth. No sailing experience is necessary.

History of Asgard

The gaff rigged Ketch "Asgard" was designed and built by Colin Archer of Larvik in 1905 and was the wedding present of Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton Osgood of Boston U.S.A., to their daughter Mary on her marriage to Erskine Childers, father of the late President Childers. The name Asgard is an old Norse word meaning "Home of the Gods".

In July, 1914 Asgard with Erskine and Mary Childers and four others on board, sailed to the North Sea to collect a cargo of guns which had been bought in Hamburg for the Irish Volunteers. After a difficult voyage the cargo was landed at Howth on 26 July 1914. Asgard was sold by Mrs. Childers in 1926 and passed through several hands before being purchased by the Irish Government in 1961 because of her historical associations. In 1968 the Government formed the committee known as Coiste an Asgard and placed Asgard under their guidance and control to be used as a sail training vessel for the young people of Ireland. Sail training cruises were carried out on Asgard each year from 1969 to 1974. Asgard was transferred to Kilmainham Jail Historical Museum in 1979 for exhibition to the public.

Contact Coiste an Asgard

Coiste an Asgard Coláiste Caoimhín St. Mobhi Road Glasnevin Dublin 9

Telephone: +353 1 679 2169 Fax: +353 1 677 2328 Email: info@irishsailtraining.com Web: www.irishsailtraining.com

More information on the Coiste an Asgard and the Sail Training Scheme is available on their website at www.IrishSailTraining.com