VetsBoats is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit foundation founded by combat veterans and dedicated to restoring health and well-being to military veterans suffering from PTSD and traumatic injuries.
We believe in the transformative power of sailing as a therapeutic tool. This approach is supported by research and our own lifetime of experience on the water.
Our Mission: provide measurable improvement in the health and well-being of veterans everywhere.
We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area and operate a national network to serve veterans and their families.
How does it work? We partner with boat owners, the VA, and veteran service organizations to provide a full suite of sailing programs: mindfulness-based therapeutic sailing, marine education, sail training, and restoration.
These activities teach new skills while fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of community among veterans, helping them move from isolation to active participation in a supportive environment.
What are the results? Since we started with one boat in 2014, we have taken over 2,500 veterans and their families sailing. We operate with over 20 partner boats in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego CA, Galveston TX, Springfield OH, and Annapolis MD. And we partner with VA Recreational Therapy Centers in those areas.
Our Founder
A naval aviator bringing the passion for sailing to change lives.
"I founded VetsBoats to create a place where veterans can reconnect, heal, and thrive. My military journey began at the U.S. Naval Academy and took me from flying F-14 combat missions in Southwest Asia to leading as a commander of an MQ-9 unit. Those years brought both extraordinary highs and profound lows, shaping my belief in the transformative power of sailing.
VetsBoats has evolved from serving individual veterans to organizing group outings
to foster community and maximize therapeutic benefit. Partnerships with VA clinics, VFW, and American Legion posts have amplified outreach, reaching those with the greatest need for support. Licensed charter operators provide instruction, ensuring participants actively engage in sailing rather than passively receiving a service.
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Operational costs remain sustainable at about $100 per participant; in 2025 over 600 veterans and family members participated, with plans to double reach annually and serve 2,500 by next year.
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Outcomes are strong: post-event surveys show 95%+ satisfaction and retention rates exceed 75%
The next phase of growth is about expanding—transitioning from centralized control to empowering others nationwide. The strategy turns VetsBoats into a connector, teacher, and catalyst for therapeutic sailing across regions, modeled after successful “network effect” charity organizations. Key principles include:
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Decentralization of program delivery
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Standardization of outreach models and event procedures.
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Incentivization through recognition and swag for volunteer-driven events.
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Partnerships with marinas, yacht clubs, VA and veteran organizations, and like-minded nonprofit foundations.
Get In Touch
ADDRESS
Physical:
Marina Bay Yacht Harbor
Richmond, CA 94804
Mailing:
1001 Bridgeway St. #608
Sausalito, CA, 94965
Email:
