Gifting the Serenity of Sailing – Support Veterans on the Water (VOW)
Sailors often say that being on the water brings them an unparalleled sense of peace, serenity, and self-efficacy. Nowhere is this more evident than in The WaterFront Center’s Veterans on the Water (VOW) program, which offers a unique healing experience to former military members at no cost to them.
VOW provides free sailing experiences aboard 23-ft Sonars, allowing veterans to share time on the water while fostering a sense of community and boosting their overall well-being. With 1 in 3 veterans experiencing symptoms of depression, nature-based adventure programs like ours are essential, providing a positive psychological impact through the healing power of nature and camaraderie. Studies, including a 2018 report on the psychological benefits of sailing, show that activities like these can increase mental flexibility and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments. From one of our participants,
“I am a former US Marine Corps Sgt who suffers from PTSD. I saw the flyer for Veterans on the Water at the VA Hospital while being treated. I gave it a try and it was truly life changing. Learning something new and challenging like sailing forced me to focus on the present moment and I was suddenly free from all my chronic racing thoughts. It worked better than any medication or traditional therapy. Whoever thought to mix veterans with sailing as therapy is truly heaven sent. “ - Sully E, Platoon Sergeant the US Marine Corps.
Through the generosity of donors, each sailing session provides a supportive space for veterans to find strength in shared experiences. A recent study on therapeutic adventure programs found that they support social support networks, which reduce mental health symptoms. Sailing fosters teamwork, physical activity, and a connection with nature—elements critical to mental health.
"(Sailing) has given me a positive outlook to deal with the issues that many of us veterans face each day. I always look forward to these times on the water with veterans like myself, and supporters who provide this opportunity. I know that each time, I will come away with a more positive outlook to whatever the day brings. This is mostly due to knowing there are people and organizations, like The WaterFront, that are there to support us mentally and emotionally.” - Jim R., First Lt in the army, awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
“(I) Absolutely love the Veterans on the Water program. (I’ve) been participating for years now, (it) helps me stay in touch with my fellow veterans... I’m NAVY, so I’m right at home on the water.” - Carol S., Ship’s Serviceman Third Class in the US Navy.
Sailing promotes a sense of purpose, self-reliance, and a way to build confidence by teaching others.
Lidia R. says that she has always loved the water. She served in the United States Navy and now gets to share her passion for the water with her son.
Our veterans have given so much to our country, and now it’s our turn to give back. With increased donor support, we can expand VOW, connecting more veterans to the healing that sailing offers. Your contribution, large or small, goes directly to providing these invaluable sailing opportunities that create a lasting impact in our veterans' lives.
Please consider supporting the Veterans on the Water program. With your help, we can ensure that every veteran who seeks this experience has the chance to set sail, heal, and reconnect. To donate, visit www.thewaterfrontcenter.org/donate or reach out to us at jame@thewaterfrontcenter.org.
