Free Veteran Sailing Experience
Join us for a free sailing experience designed exclusively for veterans seeking purpose, renewal and camaraderie on the bay.
Our Mission Matters
Veterans on the Bay is dedicated to offering complimentary sailing experiences for veterans. Our goal is to create an environment for veterans that reduces stress and anxiety, helps reset and connect with one another, and to enjoy the freedom of sailing. Through our program, we foster community, resiliency and support while providing a unique opportunity to make lasting memories on the water.
By removing financial and access barriers, the program ensures that all veterans—regardless of background or sailing ability—can participate in safe, enriching experiences on the water.
What We Offer
Sailing Events:
Veterans on the Bay operates a seasonal Sailing Experience Program from May through October, offering free sailing experiences to veterans aboard volunteer-operated vessels on Narragansett Bay.
Each sailing experience emphasizes hands-on participation, shared responsibility, and peer interaction in a safe and supportive setting. Programs are led by founder and combat veteran Michael Comforti and supported by trained volunteers, with strict adherence to safety protocols and maritime regulations. Participation is always free and never contingent on donations.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We welcome skilled volunteers to help support our mission. If you have the skills and the ability to improve our program, please show your support and reach out to us!
About Us
Veterans on the Bay is a nonprofit organization founded by a combat veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with 21 years of service in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
The primary sailing vessel used for excursions is the Hornet, a 34 foot O'day Sloop.
Veterans on the Bay sail the waters of Narragansett Bay. Operating from Greenwich Cove Marina, East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
Benefits
Our programs empower veterans through enjoyable, therapeutic sailing experiences that promote anxiety reduction, camaraderie, and personal growth.
Therapeutic Sailing
Healing on the Water
Sailing provides a unique and calming atmosphere for veterans to decompress. The soothing effects of the water help ease stress and promote well-being.
Community Building
Connections Matter
By participating in our sailing experiences, veterans forge new friendships, share their stories, and build a strong supportive community.
Empowerment
Gaining Confidence
Through sailing, veterans gain new skills, which foster a sense of accomplishment and resiliency that empower them in their day-to-day lives.
Useful Links
Sponors:
Michael A. Comforti
Eric Weintraub
Richard Collette
The Law Offices of Kevin D. Quinlan
What to Bring on a Sailing Experience:
Comfortable clothing: We highly suggest long sleeve shirts and long pants. Sun shirts with hoods are great (hats can easily get blown off and lost and create blind spots).
Wear layers, especially in the early season.
Rain jackets and windbreakers are very useful.
You will be fully exposed to the elements, please plan accordingly. Weather can change quickly and is usually very different on the water than on land.
Comfortable (preferably non-marking) shoes/sneakers.
Sunglasses. When out on the water, you get both the sun from
above and reflected from the water. Which is why sunscreen is also suggested.
Sunsceen should be applied before getting onto the sailboat.
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Food: Please arrive with food in your belly before the sail.
Keeping your blood sugar at regular levels will help prevent motion sickness.
Feel free to bring snacks and non-alchoholic beverages with re-closable lids (no glass please).
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​Backpacks: Backpacks are recommended.
They help keep all your stuff together and they enable boat - to - boat tranfer easier and safer. Small lunch sized one handed coolers are acceptable, No large coolers.
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Gloves: If you are a guest that would like to be more active in the sailing experience you may use your own gloves. (Gloves identify guests that want to work the sails). Clean used gloves will be availible for all guests at no charge.
Follow Us
Email us at: support@veteransonthebay.org​
508-330-0957
Mailing Address: 700 Narragansett Park Drive
Suite 100
Pawtucket, RI, 02861
Sail from: Greenwich Cove Marina
3 Division Street
East Greenwich, RI, 02018
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