The Warrior Sailing Program (WSP) was founded with a mission to introduce active military and veterans with disabilities to the sport of sailing, with opportunities ranging from introductory level sailing to world championship competition. WSP organized the event in partnership with Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC).
The three-day intense training camp focuses on teaching the skills of sailing, but the event also harnesses the competitive spirit, military camaraderie, and teamwork. The program was held at the AYC Sailing Center with classroom and practical sailing experience in the fleet of J/22s.
“A key aspect of our program is to build the team unit with an experienced coach,” says Ben Poucher, program director. “The high level of coaching that we provide is reflected on the outstanding performance of our graduates.”
Pulling from experience in the sailing community goes back to the origins of Warrior Sailing. The organization was founded by the USMMA Sailing Foundation director and America’s Cup veteran, Ralf Steitz, and Paralympic silver medalist, Jen French, who both wanted to find a way to give back to wounded service members and help them find therapeutic value in the sailing community.
“There are two things that make this event different and exciting. The first is what we see it doing for the participants: it opens some new doors in their lives to a new and exciting way to be involved in sports and to engage in new relationships. The second is that for those of us who have the pleasure of helping to run such an event, it’s really quite different for us because we’re used to seeing people inspired by sailing, but this turns it around. They’re inspiring us. What these wounded warriors can still do and do with such enthusiasm and grace has really inspired the people here at AYC,” says Bob Putnam, AYC event chair.
Support and involvement from the sailing community are keys to making these events successful. AYC was the main sponsor of the event providing the facilities, boats, supplies, and support personnel. Other local support includes Eastport YC, Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs, Watermark Cruises, Mission BBQ, Truckin’ for Troops, the USO, and T2P TV.
Graduates from the Warrior Sailing basic training camp are eligible to continue with the program to advanced training and unique sailing opportunities through the USMMA Sailing Foundation. Click to warriorsailing.org to learn more.
