SailAhead keeps veterans afloat with annual event

SailAhead, a nonprofit that uses sailing to foster healing for military veterans, will hold its 8th annual “Let’s Take a Veteran Sailing” event next week.

More than 100 veterans will be guests on 25 volunteer sailboats during the event on Sunday, July 28, which will be hosted by the Centerport Yacht Club. 

The sailing event on Long Island Sound is aimed at raising awareness of veterans dealing with PTSD and getting them out on the water as therapy.

The veterans will learn some basic sailing skills from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet volunteers. The fleet of sailboats will have escorts from the U.S. Coast Guard, Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau and harbor police from Northport and Huntington.

After sailing, the veterans will enjoy a barbecue, sponsored by the yacht club, Arizona Beverages and Ralph’s Italian Ices. 

Founded in 2015, SailAhead partners with local yacht clubs and sailing organizations to take military veterans, those on active duty and family members sailing.  

The nonprofit’s goal is to spread PTSD and veteran suicide awareness, honor their mates and foster community connection between the sailing and military worlds. 

For more information visit: sailahead.org