FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (14 APR 2022)

As sailing enthusiasts gear up for a week of exhilarating competition on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. Patriot Sailing program is set to make waves with its military veteran sailors. This unique program, dedicated to empowering veterans through sailing, has boats competing in two prestigious events this week: the Plastimo Lorient Mini 6.5 race in France and Charleston Race Week in South Carolina.

U.S. Patriot Sailing is a military veteran sailing program that focuses on providing a supportive environment for veterans to heal, learn, and grow. Through the challenges and camaraderie of sailing, the program helps veterans develop leadership skills, build confidence, and rediscover their sense of purpose.

This week, the U.S. Patriot Sailing program is showcasing its dedication to sailing excellence by participating in two high-profile races.

Plastimo Lorient Mini 6.5 Race

The Plastimo Lorient Mini 6.5 is an esteemed double-handed sailing race held in France, attracting a diverse range of sailors from around the world. The race covers approximately 500 nautical miles and is open to competitors sailing Mini 6.50 class boats. These compact, high-performance sailing vessels are specifically designed for solo or double-handed offshore racing.

The race begins in Lorient, France, and takes competitors through a challenging course that tests their navigational skills, endurance, and mental fortitude. The sailors must rely on their own abilities and the performance of their boats to conquer the elements and the competition. U.S. Patriot Sailing is proud to have Peter Gibbons-Neff participating in this demanding race in his Class Mini 6.5, showcasing the resilience and skill of military veteran sailors.

Charleston Race Week

Closer to home, the U.S. Patriot Sailing program has two boats competing in the Charleston Race Week in South Carolina. This event is one of the largest and most popular regattas in the United States, with sailors from all over the country coming together to compete in a variety of classes.

Set against the backdrop of historic Charleston Harbor, the race week provides a thrilling experience for competitors and spectators alike. The event combines inshore and offshore racing, with boats navigating a mix of courses that test their tactical abilities and teamwork. The U.S. Patriot Sailing boats will be competing in their respective classes, demonstrating the prowess and determination of their veteran crews.

As the week unfolds, the U.S. Patriot Sailing program continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering military veterans through the challenging and rewarding world of sailing. By participating in these high-profile races, the program highlights the incredible capabilities and resilience of its sailors, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment that will last long after the races have ended.

The U.S. Patriot Sailing program relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to continue its mission of empowering military veterans through sailing. By making a donation, you can directly contribute to the program's ability to provide veterans with training, equipment, and access to these transformative experiences. To support the U.S. Patriot Sailing program, please visit the official website www.uspatriotsailing.org. There, you'll find information on how to make a secure online donation or explore other ways to contribute, such as volunteering your time or providing in-kind donations. By supporting this program, you're not only helping to change the lives of veterans but also celebrating their strength and resilience as they conquer new challenges and rediscover their purpose on the open seas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (27 JUN 2022)

The Irish Defence Force has invited US Patriot Sailing, a non-profit organization dedicated to support Veterans through the sport of sailing, to compete for the Beaufort Cup at the International Military Invitational Regatta held 11-15 July 2022 and hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork, Ireland.

US Patriot Sailing is sending a TEAM of nine US Military Veterans from its Annapolis, MD and San Diego, CA programs.  Founder Peter Quinn said, "Through generous support of individual donors and the Annapolis Yacht Club Foundation, we are able to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity for our Veterans. Many have been training to compete in this event for the past two years."

The Beaufort Cup is the heart of Volvo Race Week with €10,000 going to the chosen charity of the winning team.  The racing schedule begins with a 24 hour race around the famous Fastnet Lighthouse which starts and finishes in Cork Harbour.  The inshore race series, set on stunning coastal courses, will be held from 13th to 15th July in conjunction with Volvo Cork Week.  The Beaufort Cup was specially commissioned in honour of Sir Francis Beaufort, the creator of the Beaufort Scale.

US Patriot Sailing Veterans have been training for this event for the past two years.  Steve Young said "We have provided weekly sailing opportunities in both Annapolis, MD and San Diego, CA, ASA Certification Classes, and hosted an International Safety at Sea hands on training.  Our Team of Veterans are definitely prepared for this challenging event."

"This event provides our Veterans with new challenges and experiences they may share for years to come, and also a chance to meet and establish friendships with fellow Veterans of the foreign military services. " said Peter Quinn. Commander Brian Mathews is the Officer in charge for Defence Forces Sailing and will be racing with the Irish Defence Forces Team. "The Beaufort Cup is about having good clean fun on the water and building relationships off the water."

To learn more about the Beaufort Cup and Volvo Race Week in Cork, Ireland visit corkweek.ie

US Patriot Sailing, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that provides racing, recreational, and educational sailing opportunities for combat, wounded, disabled & active duty veterans integrating them into a winning TEAM by providing camaraderie, mission accomplishment, and new dynamic experiences while also creating a supportive and understanding community that is ready to help Veterans navigate the hardships of transition and rehabilitation.

 
For more information please visit: http://www.uspatriotsailing.org 100% of financial support directly sustains our program!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC (08 NOV 2019)

The US Patriot Sailing woman’s team wins the DC Sail Cantina Cup Flying Scot Non-spinnaker division.  “The Potomac River is a challenging place to sail, AP and Kayla were excellent crew mates and teamwork is how we were able to win the day while having fun doing it!”  said Virginia deCamp who skippered the team.  Virginia joined US Patriot sailing earlier in 2019. She served in Korea as an Army Nurse and is from Long Island, NY where she grew up sailing with her family. Living in the Hampton Roads region of VA, she actively sails with the Flying Scot and Cruising Fleets at Fishing Bay Yacht Club and often travels to Annapolis to compete with our FARR 30 team. 

AP Conrad “AP” is a DOD Civilian who has deployed operationally alongside our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.   She joined us in 2018 and regularly sails with our Annapolis Chapter racing the FARR 30 and competed with the Melges 24 team at Charleston Race Week 2019.  She is also a great asset behind the scenes helping with logistics and organizing events.

Kayla Bettes is an active duty Marine stationed at Ft. Meade, MD.  She joined our Annapolis chapter in 2018 learning the bow position on the J/22.  She took 2nd with our J/22 team at Charleston Race Week 2019, She also competes with our Melges 24 team and raced in the New York Yacht Club 2019 One-Design Regatta in Newport, RI.

U.S. Patriot Sailing, Inc. (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) is a Veteran Sailing Program established in 2013 actively supported by a community of volunteer Veterans who recognize the life benefits of sailing.  The program is designed to support a wide range of Veterans of our Armed Services regardless of their capabilities.  Our Annapolis program is supported with our FARR 30 and Melges 24 race boats.

If you are a Veteran and would like to join our program, please visit our website at  www.uspatriotsailing.org to join the TEAM!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (04 May 2019)

U.S. Patriot Sailing, a non-profit organization dedicated to support Veterans through the sport of sailing, FARR 30 "PATRIOT" USA 25 crossed the pursuit race finish line in second place at the Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta North Sails Rally.  Hosted by the Annapolis Yacht club with more than 180 boats competing, the Annapolis NOOD is the first major regatta and informal kick-off of the sailing season in Annapolis, MD.  

“Our Veterans just don’t show up to go sailing, they are involved in every aspect of our program.”  explained Peter Quinn, a retired naval officer and founder of U.S. Patriot Sailing. “They have spent the winter getting our boats and equipment ready for the season. No matter the branch of service, they have all planned and executed operations, maintained equipment, all while also looking out for each other.  This experience translates almost perfectly to the sport of sailing. Our Veterans each bring their own special skill sets, and this enables us to do much of our own administration, planning, maintenance, and logistics.” With 110 upcoming events on its schedule, U.S. Patriot Sailing supports hundreds of  Veterans nationally.  

Now entering its 6th year and with fleets supporting 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.

For more information about our programs please visit: www.USPatriotSailing.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOBART, AUSTRALIA (31 Jan 2019)

Gus Ward followed his dream of competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race over the 2018 holiday season. We couldn't be more proud of his personal accomplishment and his leadership. Gus is also an active participant in US Patriot Sailing, which supports wounded and combat veterans. Check out the full article below written by another talented AVIAN employee, Kristine Wilcox
https://bit.ly/2RUMGke

Congratulations to all the competitors in the first sailing #InvictusGames event!. (Veterans -we are working to build more Veteran Sailing opportunities here in the States everyday- come on out!)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO, CA (16 Oct 2018)

Check out the Sailing Anarchy article featuring a sweet looking Trogear Bowsprit on the B-25. The Bowsprit will get it’s first taste of the race course in the upcoming San Diego Yacht Club Hot Rum series. We are building an all veteran team to give the Trogear and bowsprit a beating while trying to take first in class. Stay tuned as US Patriot Sailing will have Veterans Racing on the small B-25, a medium C&C 115, and the largest boat in the race the Botin 80 Cabrón.

Big thanks to Trogear for helping convert this boat and enable our Veterans to sail faster and sail safer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONG BEACH, CA (09 Oct 2018)

Simply put... Steve Meheen and the Misfits Racing Program have opened amazing opportunities for our US PATRIOT Veterans! 

Check out Will Suto's article in Sailing Anarchy!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONG BEACH, CA (09 SEP 2018)

USA 13 "Cabron" Training Day 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OXFORD, MD (08 SEP 2018)

Results Posted!