FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (15 Feb 2018) - U.S. Patriot Sailing, an organization dedicated to supporting combat, wounded, and disabled Veterans through the sport of sailing, is sending a multi-generational Veteran crew to compete in the 30th Helly Hanson National Offshore One Design (NOOD) Regatta Series in St. Petersburg, FL. From February 16 - 18, 2018, the nonprofit organization will enable three generations of combat Veterans representing Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom to compete in one of the most competitive, national racing series in the country.

Now entering its 4th year, U.S. Patriot sailing supports over 150 Veterans nationally and entered teams in more than130 regattas last year alone. With fleets supporting on the East and West Coasts, U.S. Patriot Sailing is the only national, all volunteer run program completely dedicated to supporting combat, wounded, and disabled veterans through the sport of sailing.

"Sailing as a sport provides a unique environment where Veterans of all abilities and ages can come together to compete as a Team to navigate dynamic challenges;" explained Peter Quinn, an active-duty naval officer and founder of U.S. Patriot Sailing. "Sailing shares many of the positive aspects of military life and offers Veterans a chance to experience healthy adrenaline, excitement, calm, the beauty of the sea, and enjoy the camaraderie of teammates - all in one event. It is a joy watch new teammates get hooked on the sport, build skills and confidence, and then be welcomed into larger national sailing community"
The team competing in this regatta includes a Vietnam Purple Heart Veteran and will sail aboard USA 479 "Shiraz", a civilian donated Melges 24 and will compete in Melges 24 one-design fleet over the three days of racing.

"St. Petersburg attracts some of the best sailors in the world and U.S. Patriot Sailing is proud to have put together a multi-generational Veteran crew to compete here in the 2018 racing season," Mr. Quinn continued. "But we couldn't have gotten here without the help and support of our regatta sponsor, Phil Davis for donating use of his boat "Shiraz" and North Sails and the US Melges 24 Class Association, who provided coaching for the crew during the Melges 24 Mid-Winters. Thank you for helping us create this opportunity for this group of deserving American heroes."

Please visit www.uspatriotsailing.org for more information or follow us @SailUSPatriot on Twitter and Instagram.

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