SailMyLife is an Erasmus+ initiative, co-funded by the European Union, based on the concept of using sport as a therapeutic tool, to enhance the recovery pathways for people with substance misuse issues.
In Europe, an estimated 83 million people (29% of the population aged 15-64) have used illegal drugs. In 2023, the EU had 7459 recorded overdose deaths from drug misuse. 1.5% of EU adults (4.3 million) declare to be daily cannabis users and cocaine use is reported by 2.7 million young adults (European Drug Report 2025). Specifically in Ireland, 2024 saw 13,295 treatment cases of problematic drug use. The report also states that management of the issue is becoming more complex due to the increased production of synthetic illegal stimulants, as well as accessibility through online platforms.
Traditional responses to substance misuse typically include clinical intervention, medical treatment, rehabilitation and therapeutic support. However, due to the multi-faceted nature of the issue, an alternative approach has been gaining momentum: integrating sport into addiction recovery programmes. The use of sport addresses many key psycho-social influences and takes a more holistic approach, framing the individual in the context of their environment, socioeconomic status, mental health status, availability to resources and opportunities, and integration into the community. The core thought is that by dealing with some of these external influences, the prevention of drug misuse and the treatment and maintenance of sobriety are enhanced.
The SailMyLife project, encompassing a collaboration between three European organisations; 4exodus (Italy), SailLife (Italy) and Sailing Into Wellness (Ireland), emerged from research into the benefits of sports therapy. Sport has the capacity to address many of the personal and social dimensions essential for recovery: self-empowerment, self-esteem, resilience, purpose, social support, decision-making, and physical regulation. The SailMyLife project therefore represents a significant contribution to the growing field of research in sport-based recovery therapy in Europe.
4exodus: An Italian ‘Social Cooperative’ who support people post-incarceration. They utilise tools of education, work and volunteerism to empower people to find their way and rebuild a meaningful life.
Sail Life: This Italian sailing organisation hosts programmes specifically for people struggling with substance misuse. They use sailing, and the associated learnings, to aid the recovery pathway of individuals.
Sailing Into Wellness: An Irish social enterprise, established in 2016, and now operating nationwide in Ireland. Having witnessed first-hand the transformative benefits of sailing with people experiencing challenges relating to mental health, social exclusion, disability, addiction, within probation and youth services. Their therapeutic sailing programmes focus on building confidence, connection, purpose and wellbeing through experiential-learning, based on the water.
THE PROCESS
Extensive desk research and literature reviews was followed by the three partners identifying a range of ‘Good Practices’, used globally by organisations specialising in ‘Substance Use Disorders’ recovery, sports therapy, adventure therapy, experiential education, outdoor learning, recovery centres, trauma-informed training providers and national governing bodies of sailing.
Across all sources, consistent themes emerged:
- Sport can function as a powerful tool for both recovery and prevention
- Community, connection, and belonging are essential components of sustainable recovery
The next step was to develop a methodological process to ensure the needs of local communities in each region were fully understood before designing the programme. This involved interviews, focus groups with key stakeholders, service users, community-based organisations, staff, sports trainers and psychologists/addiction therapists.
All data collected was analysed and distilled into key themes, resulting in a comprehensive list of ‘What To Do’ and ‘What TO Avoid’ when engaging with people affected by substance misuse.
The next phase of the Erasmus+ programme was to develop a specialised syllabus for training others, in particular sports trainers and therapists, to allow scalability for the learnings achieved in this project.
Six modules were created:
- Understanding Substance Use Disorders and Recovery
- Ethical and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Fundamentals of Sports Therapy
- Sailing as a Therapeutic Tool
- Facilitation Skills for Therapeutic Contexts
- Progress Mentoring and Reflective Practice
These modules were delivered using a blended-learning approach, to ensure accessibility for all learners. This included an in-person training day and an online training session.
THE OUTCOMES
- An evidence-informed, ethically grounded and accessible approach to integrating sailing into the recovery pathways of people with ‘Substance Use Disorders’ was developed from extensive desk research, good practice mapping and meaningful engagement with stakeholders
- A key learning is the value of structured research, needs assessment, and stakeholder consultation when designing programmes. This approach strengthens both participant outcomes and practitioner wellbeing, ensuring that services are responsive and sustainable
- By bringing together European partners with diverse expertise, SailMyLife has created a robust methodological framework, a specialised syllabus, and practical training materials to support organisations across the sector. The project’s outputs offer a foundation for high-quality, sport-based interventions that promote recovery, empowerment and social inclusion.
- These efforts, collectively, contribute to a wider movement towards innovative, strengths-based approaches in addiction support, demonstrating the potential of sailing, and sports more broadly, to foster connection, resilience and positive change in people’s lives.
DISCLAIMER:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union not the granting authority can be held responsible.
