Yesterday was an amazing day! Teaming up again with the Stirling Harbor Foundation, we took a group of veterans from the Northport VA out for a day on the water.
We set sail (sort of) on a gorgeous 70-foot sloop named Arcadia. Picture it: the sun was shining, the sky was a brilliant blue, and we had a boat full of excited veterans ready for a day of adventure. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans, and there was absolutely no wind. But hey, we weren't going to let that ruin our day.
Instead of sailing, we improvised. We put up an awning to give everyone some shade and turned on what we affectionately call the "iron sail"—basically, we had a sail out but relied on the boat's motor to get us moving. It wasn't the wind-in-your-hair experience we were hoping for, but it turned out to be just as fun.
We spent the outing cruising around, chatting, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. There was something incredibly relaxing about just being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The veterans shared stories and bonded over shared experiences, and it was clear that the calmness of the sea was working its magic.
One of the highlights was definitely the camaraderie. We laughed, we joked, and we even had a little picnic on deck. The awning provided the perfect spot for everyone to gather and enjoy some snacks while taking in the beautiful views. There’s something so healing about the ocean, and it was wonderful to see everyone so relaxed and happy.
Huge shoutout to the Northport VA for being such great sports and to the Stirling Harbor Foundation for partnering with SailAhead to make this happen. It's days like these that remind me of the importance of community and support, especially for our veterans.
Even though the wind didn't cooperate, we still had an unforgettable day on Arcadia. It was a reminder that sometimes it's not about where the wind takes you, but the journey and the people you're with.
If you ever get a chance to join a SailAhead event or want to support our cause, you will see that it's truly a special experience, and it makes a world of difference for those who've served our country.
As US Air Force Veteran Raymond encapsulated everyone's feelings at the end of the sail when he said "if they want me off this boat, they'll have to come and take me!"
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