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VetsBoats is an all-volunter non-profit organization dedicated to restoring health and well-being to military veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic injuries through the transformative power of wooden boats and sailing.
Founded by veterans for veterans and based in the San Francisco Bay, we provide a diverse array of marine education, sail training, and boat restoration programs. Our purpose is to inspire and motivate veterans to move from isolation into active participation and community.
Through our carefully crafted programs, we create an environment where veterans can rediscover their inner strengths and experience the camaraderie of fellow service members. This shared purpose and teamwork are fundamental to our approach, fostering healing and personal growth.
At the heart of our work is the belief in the therapeutic benefits of sailing and maritime activities. We offer three core programs, each designed to promote teamwork, community healing, and mindfulness.
Our approach is supported by Veterans Administration studies, which have shown that sailing activities, when combined with professional therapeutic treatment, significantly enhance positive outcomes for participants.
VetsBoats is more than just a sailing organization; we are a community dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served our country. By sharing the magic and beauty of wooden boats, we provide a unique pathway to recovery, growth, and renewed purpose for our nation's veterans.
Our Programs
On the Calendar
Clover's Pot O' Gold St. Patrick's Party (Sausalito YC)
Saturday, March 15th, 6 - 9pm
Palo Alto Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (DRRTP) (Adventure Cat, Pier 39)
Friday, April 25th, Noon - 2pm
Golden Gate Area Council of Sea Scouting (Aquatic Park)
May 10th, 6pm
St. Francis Yacht Club Presentation
Wednesday, June 18th, Noon - 2pm
Visual Impairment Services Team, VA NorCal Health Care System (Derek M Baylis, Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Richmond)
June 25th, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Clover Open House Honoring Our Supporters
July 4th, Noon - 6pm
How We Do It
Today we live amidst a silent crisis: over one million Veterans are battling some form of addiction, and since 9/11 30,000 veterans have taken their own lives. VetsBoats is part of a grassroots effort to reverse this trend; to raise awareness, provide hope and community, and to make a difference that sends ripples outward to Veterans and their families all around us.
We leverage our relationships with veteran service orgs and Veteran Service Offices to reach the veterans most in need. VetsBoats is an approved organization for Veterans to perform community service. We make sure veterans get access to the benefits that they have earned from their service. And we remain in contact with them through surveys and regular engagement, giving them opportunities to come together in community to work and sail and enjoy the camaraderie that helps them heal each other.
In 2024, VetsBoats plans to introduce over five hundred Veterans to Sailing and Begin Sea Trials for Clover.
I wholeheartedly endorse Terry Moran, the visionary founder of VetsBoats, for his unwavering dedication to supporting veterans through sailing and boat restoration. Terry has not only substantially invested his own funds into the foundation but has also spearheaded the restoration of the historic vessel Clover. His commitment to helping veterans heal through community and maritime activities is truly commendable. It's inspiring to see how he has created Vetsboats and how meaningful the experiences will be for all who sail aboard.
Alan Olson, Boatbuilder and Founder, Call of the Sea Foundation
Testimonials
I proudly endorse Terry Moran, the founder of VetsBoats.org, for his inspiring commitment to veterans. Terry has invested over $400,000 of his own funds to stabilize and grow the organization, while personally leading the restoration of the historic vessel Clover. His passion for helping veterans heal through sailing and hands-on restoration is evident in every aspect of VetsBoats. As a naval aviator and seasoned leader, Terry brings both heart and experience to this mission—making VetsBoats a true lifeline for those who have served.
Brett Crozier, CAPT USN Ret, author of "Surf When You Can"
I strongly endorse Terry Moran, who is the founder of VetsBoats.org, for his supporting veterans causes, specifically rehabilitation and treatment through sailing and boat restoration. Terry has not only invested his personal time and capital in creating and growing this organization and offering its services to the local veteran’s community in the San Francisco Bay Area. His focus has always been to support veterans, especially those in need through sailing and maritime events. As a fellow veteran and one who has worked with Terry over the years, I appreciate his steadfast leadership and commitment he brings to the VetsBoats.
Philip Connolly, Board Member, LCOL, USA Ret., CFO Vu Technologies Corp and Finance Officer of American Legion Post 246.
We are happy to be able to integrate WBFV's sailing and restoration programs with our program for all veterans who want to be involved. Our mentees look forward to the camaraderie and feel a sense of accomplishment in reaching the goal of being on the water as a reward for completing milestones in our program; but they also thorough enjoy the experience.
Jason Chittavong, former Marine, Supervisor San Francisco Veteran Justice Court Mentorship Program
Terry and WBFV have created a meaningful program for us to partner with in the service of restoring Veterans in our program to thriving and productive citizens. We are so grateful for their support.
Judge Jeff Ross, San Francisco County Superior Court, Veteran Justice Court
2000+
Veterans + Families
Introduced to Sailing
10
Years of Service
10
Boats in Network
501c3
Non-profit Foundation