SailAhead’s “Take a Veteran Sailing” Returns to Centerport to Support Veterans with PTSD

SailAhead, a Long Island nonprofit organization, will host its seventh annual “Take a Veteran Sailing” afternoon on August 13 at the Centerport Yacht Club. The event is designed to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veteran suicide, to honor those who have lost their lives to suicide, and to offer veterans a restorative experience on the water. By combining hands-on sailing instruction with social connection, SailAhead aims to provide a meaningful, therapeutic activity that supports veterans’ mental well-being.

SailAhead assigns participating veterans to volunteer-crewed boats where they receive basic sailing instruction from cadets at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These volunteer cadets guide veterans through fundamental skills—steering, trimming sails, safety procedures, and teamwork—so each veteran can actively participate in navigating the vessel. The hands-on approach is intended to build confidence, foster camaraderie, and create a sense of accomplishment that carries beyond the day on the water.

After the afternoon of sailing, the program continues onshore with a barbecue and live music provided by the Society Road band. The social gathering gives veterans, volunteers, and family members an opportunity to relax, share stories, and connect in a welcoming environment. SailAhead emphasizes that the combination of physical activity, connection to nature, and peer support helps reduce feelings of isolation and provides constructive coping strategies for veterans managing PTSD and suicidal ideation.

“We believe involving veterans with our activities on the water will lead to their mental well-being and prevent suicides,” said Sean Duclay, one of SailAhead’s founders, in a news release. “Primarily, taking them sailing is how we do it!” That motto reflects the organization’s belief that experiential programs—those that teach a new skill while creating meaningful social bonds—can be a powerful component of community-based mental health support.

SailAhead began in 2015, founded by brothers Sean and Kilian Duclay when they were teenagers—16 and 14 years old at the time. Their early commitment to veteran outreach has grown into an annual event that draws volunteers, cadets, and community members who want to support veterans on Long Island. This year’s event will pay tribute to Specialist Ryan James Day and honor his fellow service members, acknowledging the real human cost of veteran suicide and reinforcing the need for ongoing community support.

The structure of the day is intentionally accessible: veterans do not need prior sailing experience to participate. Volunteer skippers and crew provide all necessary instruction and ensure that safety protocols are followed. Boats are staffed to allow veterans to focus on learning and participation rather than worry. For many attendees, the experience of being on open water—feeling the wind, working as part of a small team, and taking in the coastal scenery—offers immediate relief from stress and a chance to practice mindfulness in a natural setting.

Community volunteerism plays a central role in SailAhead’s mission. The program brings together maritime cadets, local sailors, and community supporters who donate their time and expertise. These volunteers make it possible to offer the sailing experience free of charge to veterans, creating a low-barrier entry point for individuals who might otherwise have limited access to therapeutic or recreational resources.

Events like “Take a Veteran Sailing” are part of a broader movement to provide veteran-centered, community-based supports that complement clinical care. While sailing is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, the combination of peer support, physical activity, and skill development can be a valuable adjunct for veterans seeking connection and purpose. By creating welcoming, stigma-free spaces, organizations like SailAhead help normalise reaching out for support and encourage veterans to engage with local resources.

Veterans, volunteers, and community members interested in attending or supporting SailAhead’s programs are encouraged to contact the organization directly through its official channels for event details and volunteer opportunities. Events such as the August 13 gathering at the Centerport Yacht Club illustrate how local communities can come together to honor veterans, raise awareness about PTSD and suicide prevention, and offer practical, compassionate support through shared experiences on the water.