🌊 Honoring Service and Sacrifice on the Great South Bay
- Sean Duclay
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 8
The 6th Annual LCpl Michael Edward Blanco Memorial Sail
This past Sunday, SailAhead and the Babylon Yacht Club (BYC) came together to host the 6th Annual U.S. Marine Corps LCpl Michael Edward Blanco Memorial Sail. Under clear skies and a steady 14-knot breeze, 30 veterans set sail on 10 boats, uniting generations of service and community on the waters of the Great South Bay.
A Day Carefully Prepared
The day began early for the SailAhead team. Before anyone arrived, volunteers were hard at work organizing logistics, launching the RIB (rigid inflatable boat), and setting up merchandise to raise funds for future programs. By the end of the event, $300 had been raised through merch sales—a small but meaningful contribution to SailAhead’s mission.
The skippers’ meeting was held at 10:45 AM, while veterans were invited to arrive by 11:00 AM. (Of course, some showed up an hour early—eager to reconnect and spend the day on the water.)
Our Mates, and USMC LCpl Michael Blanco
At the heart of every SailAhead event are Our Mates — the 219 veterans and active-duty service members we carry with us through nametags, representing lives lost to suicide. Each tag is a reminder of the staggering reality of the veteran suicide epidemic, which has claimed far more lives than official numbers suggest. These nametags sail with us as a living tribute, ensuring that those who served are never forgotten. They have sailed as far as the Galapagos Islands and even accompanied us to the Normandy beaches in France.
For the sixth year, we were honored to welcome the family of USMC Lance Corporal Michael Blanco to the Babylon Yacht Club. Michael took his own life before his nineteenth birthday, and his story has become an enduring part of our mission. Each year, his family joins us to speak on his behalf, keeping his memory alive and giving a powerful voice to the reality behind each nametag. This year, his parents, brother, sister, niece, and two nephews were present. Before we set sail, Michael’s sister Nicole addressed the skippers and veterans gathered in the clubhouse, delivering a moving speech that reminded us all why we are here: to honor, to remember, and to act.
Ideal Sailing Conditions
The weather could not have been better. With sunshine overhead and a perfect 14-knot breeze filling the sails, the fleet headed east under the Great South Bay Bridge, making a graceful U-turn before returning to the club. Among the passengers were veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and beyond. Even a yellow Labrador service dog joined the crew on the water—adding warmth and smiles to an already beautiful day.
🌹 A Ceremony of Reflection
As the boats returned to BYC, they passed by the RIB stationed near the docks, the focal point for the rose toss ceremony. Each boat paused to observe a moment of silence, tossing roses into the bay in memory of those no longer with us.
The roses were generously donated by Mary, a Marine Iraq War veteran and flower shop owner.
The atmosphere during the ceremony was powerful: tears and laughter intertwined, a testament to the deep bonds shared between veterans, families, and supporters.
Moments That Stay With You
The day was full of small but unforgettable moments. Among them was a heartfelt message from Michael Blanco’s father, sent after the event:
Sean I just wanted to thank you and the family sooo much for keeping Michael in your thoughts & prayers for this special day... I know how much it takes to put one of these together... That part is never fun... But it means so much that you guys are always there for us. Love you guys... Give all another hug.
His words reflect the spirit of the day — one of remembrance, community, and genuine care.
One veteran shared that SailAhead had been there for her during her darkest times, and a BYC skipper—who also serves as the chief organizer for this annual event—called it his favorite day of the year. It’s easy to see why: the day was not just about sailing, but about connection, remembrance, and shared purpose.
🍔 Community on Shore
The Babylon Yacht Club once again showed its endless generosity, providing a BBQ feast for all after the sail. Veterans, sailors, and families gathered together onshore, swapping stories, sharing laughter, and making plans for next year.
And yes — next year, we’ll do it again.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Events like this are at the heart of SailAhead’s mission: to use sailing as a platform to honor service, build community, and provide emotional support for veterans and their families.
We are deeply grateful to the Babylon Yacht Club, the skippers and volunteers, the American Legion Riders, and every veteran and family member who joined us this year.
Together, we keep Michael’s memory alive and ensure that no one sails alone.
