Veterans Afloat

We provide Western New York veterans opportunities for camaraderie and healing through sailing. Our program offers sailing on Lake Erie with instruction and participation in boat maintenance. Recreational sports programs like Veterans Afloat offer activities for improving psychological struggles among veterans through socialization, respite, exercise and time outdoors. Ressearch has show veterans face higher rates of PTSD, depression, substance abuse and suicide which is compounded by feelings of isolation and loneliness. We seek to mitigate these feelings.

It’s Free!

Location:
Dale’s Marine
32 Fuhrmann Boulevard
Buffalo, NY 14203

Each sail is three hours. You may pick one day or sign up for a whole series. No experience is required but you must be agile enough to move about the boat. Come for the fun or ask to learn the sport. Each sail is scheduled with a skipper and up to 6 crew members, but no less than 2. Your sail will be canceled if there is more than 20 knots of breeze, small craft warnings or thunderstorms. A personal flotation device is required. If you do not own one, one will be provided.

In order to register, you must be able to upload a VA card or one of the following proofs of service:

Form DD 2NOAA Armed Forces Identification Card (Active)
Form DD 2 (Retired) US Uniformed Services Identification Card
Form DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Form DD 217 Discharge Certificate

If you suffer from PTSD, please take note, our volunteers are not trained therapists. Our program is geared towards giving you an opportunity for organic healing.