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Join the movement—whether through your time, a donation, or lending your voice to support your local community.
Giving Tuesday, December 2nd
Veterans on Deck is dedicated year-round to supporting veterans through our time, passion for sailing, and commitment to their well-being. The costs of running our programs are made possible by the generous support of donors. This December 2nd, we invite you to make a difference by contributing to Veterans on Deck. Your donation helps us continue this important work.
Help Us Keep Our Boats Afloat!
For 15 years Veterans on Deck (VoD) has been working with veterans and activity duty military who suffer from PTSD or other emotional issues by providing therapeutic sails. VoD has three boats that require constant maintenance so they are clean, safe, and seaworthy for our therapeutic sails.
Sun and saltwater have a detrimental impact on sails, lines, hardware, instruments and wood. Therefore, the upkeep is continuous. In 2024, Veterans on Deck spent $31,000 on maintenance. These costs included:
- Hauling the boats and having the bottom painted with ablative paint
- Replacing some sails. The boats are frequently sailed. They are probably the most frequently seen boats in Charleston Harbor
- Instrument replacement is important as electronics are adversely effected by saltwater. Knowing the depth of the water and the wind velocity are the key to safety.
Impact Veterans on Deck Has Made
Veterans on Deck sailed 212 times in 2024. Each time the boats sailed there was an average of 6 veterans aboard, plus the skipper and mate. We have a robust schedule of therapeutic sails 4 times per week, weather permitting. The enthusiasm among the veterans has been exciting and we now have a sailboat racing team that sails in many of the harbor races sponsored by the Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA).
In 2025, predictions are that VoD will sail over 230 times and provide 1,500 individual sailing experiences. These therapeutic sailing experiences are provided free to the veterans and active-duty military. We are able to provide these services through the generosity of donors and the many volunteer hours provided by skippers, mates, and board members.
Veterans on Deck sails year round because the veterans count on us. Hopefully, we can count on your support.
Testimonial: Guy Buzzell
Guy has been sailing with Veterans on Deck for 5 years. He loves the sense of freedom as the boat, under sail, cuts through the water. Guy’s goal when he joined us was to learn to sail. He joins us in all types of weather.
Guy is a retired veteran who served in the US Army, US Coast Guard and the US Air Force. With these experiences he readily connects with other veterans and appreciates and contributes to the camaraderie aboard the sailboats.