Changing Veterans' Lives - One Sail at a Time

VetsBoats exists to restore health, well‑being, and community for military veterans and their families through mindfulness‑based sailing, hands‑on restoration, and shared maritime experiences.

Our veteran‑led crews tackle PTSD, injury, addiction, and isolation by pairing on‑water intensity with peer camaraderie, helping participants move from withdrawal and hyper‑vigilance into connection, confidence, and renewed purpose.

We are building a nationwide network of chapters, affiliates, and member boats—anchored in local waters yet unified under common standards—that makes therapeutic sailing as recognizable and accessible as other mainstream veteran wellness services.

Through group voyages, training, and leadership pathways, VetsBoats acts as a connector and catalyst so that wherever there is a willing boat and a veteran in need, there is a trusted on‑ramp back to community and a life of meaning on the water.

Join Us!

VetsBoats is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring health, well‑being, and community for military veterans and their families through mindfulness‑based sailing, hands‑on restoration, and shared maritime experiences. Our purpose is to help veterans living with PTSD, traumatic injuries, addiction, and isolation move from withdrawal and hyper‑vigilance into connection, confidence, and renewed purpose. VetsBoats advances this mission through therapeutic sailing and peer camaraderie, delivered via a scalable nationwide network of chapters, affiliates, partner organizations, and community volunteers.

Our Programs

Experiential
Sailing

Sail

Training

Restoration

& Events

How We Do It

Today we live amid a quiet emergency: thousands of post‑9/11 veterans are living with PTSD, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, often in isolation and without a clear path back to community. VetsBoats is part of a grassroots movement to change that trajectory—to raise awareness, offer tangible hope, and create spaces where veterans and their families can heal together on the water.

We work through trusted partners—VA recreation therapy teams, Veteran Service Organizations, and local Veteran Service Offices—to reach the veterans most at risk and ensure they can participate at no cost. Veterans can engage with VetsBoats as participants, volunteers, and community service contributors, while we help connect them back to the benefits and resources they have earned. Through ongoing sails, restoration projects, surveys, and regular outreach, we invite veterans back again and again to work, sail, and share the camaraderie that allows them to support and heal one another.

In the coming year, VetsBoats aims to bring more than 500 veterans and family members onto the water and to begin sea trials for Clover, our restored flagship—turning years of collective effort into a moving symbol of resilience, connection, and shared purpose.

Donate

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 significantly to 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, US Army Veteran, 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