Who we are
Our MISSION
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Veteran Sailing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organization founded by Marine Corps veteran turned avid sailor, Brian Forristal, in San Diego, CA. Veteran Sailing is dedicated to empowering and supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel through hosting no-cost sailing adventures that facilitate mindfulness and connection to nature, strengthen camaraderie and teamwork, and ignite a lifelong passion for the sea and sailing where adventure awaits.
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Veteran Sailing accomplishes these goals by organizing and leading sailing adventures in the waters off San Diego and through the sponsorship of motivated veterans with enrollment grants for American Sailing Association (ASA) certification within partnered training facilities; providing participants with a unique and supportive environment for personal growth and well-being.
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Our VISION
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To be a beacon of healing and empowerment for veterans and active-duty military personnel, fostering personal growth and lifelong passion through the transformative experience of sailing. Stay the Course!
PROGRAMS
SAILING Adventure
Spend a day sailing and working as a team with fellow veterans and military members in the waters off San Diego and experience the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature through harnessing the wind.
ASA CERTIFICATION
Apply for our ASA 101-certification grant. Upon completion, you'll be able to skipper a sloop-rigged keelboat of approximately 20 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds (up to 15 knots) and sea conditions.
Coming Soon
Veteran Sailing is working to facilitate certification opportunities for ASA 103, 104, and beyond; and provide multi-day sailing opportunities.
Join our newsletter to stay informed and donate to help make these programs possible.
Our team
FOUNDER & CEO
Brian Forristal
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Brian honorably served in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifleman between 2006 and 2010 at duty stations Marine Barracks 8th & I and Camp Lejeune.
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Brian deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and additionally conducted humanitarian operations after the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010. In 2021, he volunteered with the American Red Cross to support Afghan refugees in New Mexico.
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After moving his family from Pittsburgh to San Diego in 2022, Brian fulfilled a life-long dream of learning to sail. He hopes to foster and strengthen the love of sailing in other veterans and active-service members to contribute to a resilient community.
Lead Skipper
Captain Don Rock
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Don honorably served in the Navy as an Electronics Technician between 1989 and 1994 on the USS Worden and USS Samuel Gombers with deployments in support of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
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After separating from the Navy, Don ran a boat systems business, earned his Merchant Mariners Captain's License, delivered countless boats, and completed two Pacific crossings. In 2012, Don and his wife moved their sailboat, and home of 20 years, to San Diego where he works full-time as a Captain and ASA instructor.
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He is honored to serve with Veteran Sailing, having the opportunity to share his passion of the sea, giving back to those who serve(d) our country, hoping to help them find peace.
CONTACT
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