Yesterday was one of those days that makes you stop and appreciate how far we've come. SailAhead rolled through the Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade with our longtime friends — the American Legion Riders of Post 1244 — and honestly, it was awesome.
We’ve known the Riders for over a decade now, and riding with them always feels special. Bruce Blanco, the president of the Riders, is a former Suffolk County cop. His son, Michael Blanco, was a U.S. Marine who tragically died by suicide when he was almost 19 years old. Michael’s story is part of why SailAhead exists — to create a space where veterans can heal, find peace on the water, and know they aren’t alone. Being able to honor that legacy with Bruce and the Riders during the parade meant a lot. To read more about the Michael Blanco memorial sail, click here.
The Ride
We met up at a nearby business before heading to the staging area. Riding with the Riders always makes me feel cool — I mean, we roll as a full convoy of motorcycles, with the Riders coordinating traffic to keep us together. There’s just something about moving through town in a tight formation, backed by that rumble of engines, that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
And this year, we had a float. A boat float. That was Bill’s idea — he’s a Legion member who’s been supporting us for 10 years. He’s been going to the parade forever and thought, “Why not bring a boat?” So the morning of the parade, we built it together in another Rider’s garage (who generously donated the materials).
It was a small sailboat on a trailer with a PVC mast wrapped in aluminum foil, a SailAhead flag between the mast and a flagpole on the stern, and two posters — one with a QR code to our website at the front and another showing SailAhead events and programs at the back. Bruce and some of the Riders were even featured on the posters, which made it more personal.
Bill towed the float through the parade on his motorcycle, and honestly? It looked sick.
The Crowd Loved It
The crowd was into it. I’m pretty sure it was the only boat in the entire parade, so it stood out — people were pointing, taking pictures, and even asking us to stop so they could snap a photo. The motorcycles were a hit too (of course). A few people in the crowd even recognized us and yelled out support — that felt good. It’s always cool when you realize that people actually know who we are and care about what we’re doing.
Why It Matters
But this wasn’t just about looking cool (even though we did). It was about showing up and reminding people who we are. SailAhead isn’t just about sailing — it’s about helping veterans heal and find a sense of peace and belonging. Being in that parade, alongside the Riders, was a reminder that we’re not doing this alone.
Until Next Time
Big thanks to Bill for the idea, to Bruce and the Riders for making it happen, and to everyone who came out and cheered us on. We’ll see you on the water soon.
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