OUR MISSION
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Veteran Sailing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organization founded by Marine Corps veteran turned avid sailor, Brian Forristal, in San Diego, CA. Veteran Sailing is dedicated to empowering and supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel through hosting no-cost sailing adventures that facilitate mindfulness and connection to nature, strengthen camaraderie and teamwork, and ignite a lifelong passion for the sea and sailing where adventure awaits.
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Veteran Sailing accomplishes these goals by organizing and leading sailing adventures in the waters off San Diego and through the sponsorship of motivated veterans with enrollment grants for American Sailing Association (ASA) certification within partnered training facilities; providing participants with a unique and supportive environment for personal growth and well-being.
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The VISION
To be a beacon of healing and empowerment for veterans and active-duty military personnel, fostering personal growth and lifelong passion through the transformative experience of sailing. Stay the Course!
PROGRAMS
SAILING Adventure
Spend a day sailing and working as a team with fellow veterans and military members in the waters off San Diego and experience the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature through harnessing the wind.
ASA CERTIFICATION
Apply for our ASA 101-certification grant. Upon completion, you'll be able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions.
Coming Soon
Veteran Sailing is working to facilitate certification opportunities for ASA 103, 104, and beyond; and provide multi-day sailing opportunities.
Join our newsletter to stay informed and donate to help make these programs possible.
OUR TEAM
Brian Forristal
FOUNDER & CEO
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Brian honorably served as an infantry rifleman in the Marine Corps between 2006 and 2010 at duty stations Marine Barracks 8th & I and Camp Lejeune.
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He deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and additionally conducted humanitarian operations after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010. In 2021, he volunteered with the American Red Cross to support Afghan refugees in New Mexico.
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After moving his family from Pittsburgh to San Diego in 2022, Brian fulfilled a life-long dream of learning to sail. He hopes to foster and strengthen the love of sailing in other veterans and active-service members to contribute to a resilient community.
CONTACT
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