Warrior Sailing Program in San Diego

San Diego, CA (June 9, 2016) – Twenty wounded, ill and injured service members graduated today from the basic training camp held in San Diego from June 7-9, 2016. This is like no other basic training they encountered during their military service. This is a new challenge, to learn how to sail.

The Warrior Sailing Program (WSP) was founded with a mission to introduce active military and veterans with disabilities to the sport of sailing, with opportunities ranging from introductory level sailing to world championship competition. WSP organized the event in partnership with San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC).

The 3-day intense training camp not only teaches the skills of sailing but harnesses the competitive spirit, military camaraderie and teamwork. The program was held at the SDYC’s Malin Burnham Sailing Center with both classroom sessions and practical sailing experiences in the SDYC fleet of J/22 sailboats.

“A key aspect of our program is to build the team unit with an experienced coach,” says Ben Poucher, Program Director. “The high level of coaching that we provide is reflected on the outstanding performance of our graduates.”

Pulling from experience in the sailing community goes back to the origin of Warrior Sailing. The organization was founded by the USMMA Sailing Foundation Director and America’s Cup veteran, Ralf Steitz, and Paralympic silver medalist, Jen French, who both wanted to find a way to give back to wounded service members and help them find therapeutic value in the sailing community.

This is the second year that SDYC hosted the 3-day WSP training camp. SDYC looks forward to continuing the relationship with this program by welcoming back WSP camps in the future.

Graduates from the Warrior Sailing basic training camp are eligible to continue with the program to advanced training and unique sailing opportunities through the USMMA Sailing Foundation.

About Warrior Sailing Program
WSP is a program of the USMMA Sailing Foundation and offers the organizational and technical expertise to create opportunities ranging from introductory level sailing through world sailing competition. Programming is achieved through partnerships and collaborations within the sailing community, military programs and affiliates, with funding from generous supporters. The alliance between these working relationships allows WSP to stay focused on improving the lives of service members with disabilities and inspiring a new outlook for participants and the communities in which they serve.

About San Diego Yacht Club
Since 1886, the San Diego Yacht Club has sought to encourage and foster interest in all aspects of yachting. Based in Point Loma, the San Diego Yacht Club hosts regattas ranging from world championship to local competitions and is home to one of the largest junior sailing programs in the world. SDYC is consistently ranked among the top 5 yacht clubs in the United States and internationally regarded for its contributions to the sport of sailing.

Source: Event Media