Members of the Warrior Sailing Program enjoyed a private dinner cruise on Annapolis’ iconic sightseeing boat, Harbor Queen on Tuesday, October 18, 2017 while in Annapolis for Warrior Sailing Basic Training Camp at the Annapolis Yacht Club. For the second year in a row, Watermark hosted the group of veterans and active duty personnel with disabilities on a private charter during their three days in Annapolis. Guests enjoyed a meal from Mission BBQ and an evening cruise around the Annapolis Harbor; the perfect respite after a day of sailing!
The Warrior Sailing Program welcomes military veterans and active duty personnel who have been diagnosed with any disability including combat wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or brain injuries. Among the approximate 250 participants in the Warrior Sailing Program, about 75 percent suffer from PTSD or some type of brain injury, according to Jen French, co-founder of the Warrior Sailing Program. Participants range in age from 19 to 80 and 21 program participants are expected in Annapolis for the sailing instruction and on-the-water races organized by the Annapolis Yacht Club.
During the three-day training camp, Watermark will host approximately 50 guests from the program for a dinner cruise on Harbor Queen including participants, caregivers and support coaches. An open invitation to local alumni was also extended. President of Watermark Debbie Gosselin says, “Being on the water is always an uplifting experience for everyone. It’s an honor for Watermark to add something special to the Warrior Sailing program while these veterans are visiting our hometown. After a day of teamwork and sailing together, we’re happy to welcome them back aboard Harbor Queen for another memorable evening. They’ll enjoy a genuine barbecue from Mission BBQ and a place to gather and share their experience on the water in Annapolis.”
Warrior Sailing Program Manager Cory Kapes says, “When we look for a venue to host a training camp we seek out locations that have both a large veteran community as well as a large sailing community. Annapolis has deep roots in both worlds and is the ideal location for our basic training camp. While visiting, what better way to explore than by touring its waterways with Watermark. Last year Warrior Sailing had the opportunity to take in the sights and learn more about the rich history of Annapolis onboard Harbor Queen. The veterans enjoyed a night of camaraderie and networking in a venue unlike any other that we would visit during our training camp. We cannot thank Watermark enough for hosting our group again and look forward to a spectacular evening.”
The Warrior Sailing Program stresses teamwork, self-reliance and having fun on the water. And while the program highlights skills for participants to manage a boat on the water, another area that is stressed is societal skills, which may translate to personal and job skill development. There is no charge for program participants. All adapted equipment, expert coaches, and logistical support is provided by Warrior Sailing.
All of Watermark’s private fleet of yachts, including Harbor Queen, are available for private charter in Annapolis and in Baltimore. Mission BBQ, a supporter of veteran programs is also a Watermark preferred caterer for private charters.
