Sail To Prevail is proud to support our service members by providing or hosting programs specifically for Veterans with any type of disability (including but not limited to paraplegics, quadriplegics and amputees). Please consider joining us this summer to enjoy a day of sailing in beautiful Newport, RI – the sailing capital of the world.

Honoring men and women who have served our country in any military branch or era, Sail To Prevail partners with the following veteran organizations:

  • Veterans Administration Sports Clinic
  • Rhode Island Veterans Home
  • Wounded Warriors
  • New England Paralyzed Veterans of America

Also, please know that Veterans with disabilities are welcome to sail with us anytime throughout the summer at the usual fee of $70/boat for a 2-hour sail.

Military

Sailing and Prevailing

“VETERANS SAILING DAY”

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024.

Sail To Prevail dedicates a special event each summer to our distinguished VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES to enjoy the camaraderie and fun of sailing together. The usual fee is waived – the sailing is FREE to the individual sailors!

Since 2010, Sail To Prevail has hosted this special time of sailing for the benefit of Veterans with disabilities – it is our way to say THANK YOU for your service to our country!

DISABLED VETERANS’ REGISTRATION

Location & Logistics

Sailing is operated from our docks at 60 Fort Adams Drive, in Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI.

You may choose either the morning sail (10:00 AM to Noon) or the afternoon sail (1:00 to 3:00 PM).

Arrive at the dock approximately 15 minutes prior to your sailing time to get your life vest and board the boat.

At the docks, non-ambulatory participants who need assistance are boarded onto the sailboats using a transfer lift. They are then safely secured into specially designed pivoting seats, allowing them the freedom of movement to sail the boat.

Life vests are provided; you are welcome to bring your own US-Coast-Guard-approved life vest if you prefer.

Please bring your own sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and wet wear.

Please wear white-soled shoes, such as tennis shoes.

You may bring your own bottled drinking water aboard the boats.

Photos – You may bring your own phone or camera aboard the boat – it is your responsibility not to drop it in the water! If possible, we will have a volunteer photographer take pictures throughout the day and make them available by sharing a folder on our Google drive. Once you have access to the folder, you are encouraged to UPLOAD any photos that you shot, as well, to share them with Sail To Prevail and the entire Veterans Sailing Day group.

Feedback Please! – Your comments are always appreciated, too, whether a short couple of lines by email, or a few paragraphs describing the favorite aspects of your day of sailing. Your first-hand experience in words and pictures will encourage other veterans to try this activity, and your personal input helps Sail To Prevail reach out to donors who support this program for veterans.

  • Thank you to all involved in making the weekend such a wonderful weekend.

    Elinor (wife of John, Army Veteran)
  • The pictures are Great!!!!! Thank you so much! Maria and I really appreciate all you have done to organize the trip the rest of the veterans and us! We hope to sail again with you next year.

    Raymond (Air Force Veteran with MS and asthma) Veterans - Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • My sister and I had a great time at the clinic this past weekend and look forward to next year! It is a special time of year to reconnect with old friends and make new friends with other veterans. It is great that sailing and this clinic brings us together.

    Wayne Ross
  • I was one of the fortunate who were invited to participate in the Sail to Prevail event of 2015. Meeting Paul Callahan was very inspirational to me as well as sharing the day with the great volunteers from Bank of America and the other persons with disabilities. … the experience was greater than expected… After the event, there was a ceremony followed by Paul Callahan closing out the day with a few words of encouragement and thanks. This was the point that everything came together for me. As a disabled person who functions as independently as I am able to, the event really mirrors my daily struggle. Working independently, I often struggle and need assistance; but as part of a team, I tend to function much better. I am able to be productive in society, working side by side with others sometimes needing assistance, while making a positive contribution. I do wonder if people without disabilities realize the impact they have on those with disabilities. I think this event serves two purposes. It can give the disabled person a window to see that he or she is still viable and can do things others can do and it can give individuals and employers the realization that despite a disability that we are still viable… Continuing secondary education goals, meaningful employment, making a difference in other people’s lives and general recreation - For those of us in the disabled community, these things are sometimes viewed as unattainable more times by attitude than reality. So I thank Sail To Prevail for giving me the opportunity to do something I didn’t think was possible for me. I hope to participate again someday but, for now, I hope other persons with disabilities and veterans will get what I got out of the program.

    Charles Lewis (Disabled Veteran) Belle Haven Challenge Cup
  • I would really like to compliment you and the staff for the extraordinary sailing program you did this summer to benefit Veterans. The weather perfect, the setting in Newport the best, the equipment well prepared, and the staff on deck. A day to remember. The staff was particularly good and professional in dealing with the veterans and their particular disabilities. The total experience was enjoyable and refreshing. What could be better? These programs enhance the quality of life for each individual and provide experiences that will never be forgotten. Thanks to you the staff at Sail to Prevail: this work does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated. Keep up the good work.

    Richard Early President and Service Officer, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 116
  • Wonder weekend!!! Maria and I would like to thank all of you guys at Sail to Prevail for such an absolutely SPLENDID TIME sailing. Please send our kudos to the entire crew!!!

    Raymond (Air Force Veteran)
  • ....a wonderful treat for all of us participating. This is a first class operation and we will help spread the word.

    John Thompson
  • Patty, Thank you and Sail To Prevail for this weekend. It is amazing how generous you all are - some we saw and some who were behind the scenes. I was thinking about your dock which gives us a window onto a world which we would otherwise never see, and of your willingness to get Bob and all the others out in the boats and onto the water for a good sail. And thank God for the absolutely perfect weather both Saturday and Sunday. Thank you all, also, for the lovely dinner Saturday night. I was sitting at the end of the old people and next to the young people, and it was fun to observe the difference in conversations. It took me back to a very long time ago, and the excitement and promise of shining youth. It was very nice to meet you and talk with you, and also Chad on Sunday. Thank you and thank God for His goodness,

    Lynn and Bob (Air Force Veteran)
  • John and I want to thank you again for setting up this enjoyable sailing day and delicious dinner. Great to meet new people, as well as reconnect with those we have met before as it seems we have a lot in common. Wish we could get more RI PVA sailors involved.

    Elinor (wife of Army Veteran, John, who has MS and paraplegia) Veterans - Paralyzed Veterans of America
  • I had a great weekend while participating in sailing. This was my first time ever sailing and was a real hoot! Being in control of the boat really boosted my self confidence, which is something that I don't always feel in control of. Last year, I came down with a very rare disease called Moya moya that caused me to have repeated strokes. Thankfully the VA got a hold of great group of doctors and surgeons and fixed the blood flow problem I was having in my brain. After all this I was able to obtain my driver’s license for the first time, and I drove to Newport with a friend that was also involved in this Sail To Prevail program. I would like to thank all the staff and my friends George and David. I am so happy that I could participate. I can't wait till next summer! I'll be there! Thank you again,

    Paul (Navy Veteran) Veterans - Paralyzed Veterans of America
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