Our Mission: To bring veterans together through sailing.
Through our programs, we make the therapeutic benefits of sailing accessible to veterans of all abilities at no cost, reducing isolation while fostering confidence, camaraderie, and resilience.
Building Community Through Sailing & Service
West Michigan S.A.I.L. (Service members Adapting, Interacting, Living) is Michigan’s only U.S. Sailing–accredited sailing school dedicated to providing free sailing instruction to veterans. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations, charter fees, and classroom tuition support veterans’ programs and our mission.
Why we exist
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Mission-Driven: Combat veteran isolation, PTSD, and depression
through the therapeutic and empowering experience of sailing. -
Proven Benefits: Sailing promotes healing, self-discovery, and resilience—especially for veterans facing mental health challenges.
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Community & Collaboration: We partner with veteran organizations to expand outreach and build supportive networks.
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Captain Lee’s Commitment: When Captain Lee Price learned of the high national veteran suicide rate, he created a sailing program to help veterans reconnect with purpose and community.
Why Choose West Michigan S.A.I.L?
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All of our sailing instruction is fully accredited by U.S. Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing. This means every course follows the highest standards for safety, skill development, and seamanship. Participants gain recognized certifications that can be used to advance to higher levels of sailing education or confidently sail on their own. Veterans benefit from structured, professional instruction, while public participants receive training equal to what they would find at premier sailing schools—often at a fraction of the cost.
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WMSAIL is the only US Sailing Accredited Sailing School in Michigan, and one of 44 in the United States.
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With the three US Sailing certificates, BK, BC, BBC, that West Michigan S.A.I.L. is accredited to teach, the successful student will be qualified to charter a boat with the Moorings, and other charter boat businesses
Every time a public participant takes a course or books a cruise, they’re doing more than just learning to sail—they’re directly funding free programs for veterans. This community-focused model allows us to provide veterans with no-cost, life-changing sailing experiences that help them build confidence and reconnect with others. By choosing West Michigan S.A.I.L., every student becomes part of a larger mission to reduce veteran isolation and improve mental health outcomes.
The natural rhythm of sailing—the sound of the wind, the movement of the boat, and the focus required to work with the elements—creates a proven therapeutic environment. For veterans, sailing provides a safe and engaging way to manage stress, combat PTSD symptoms, and develop new coping skills. The teamwork required on a sailboat also fosters genuine camaraderie, helping veterans form meaningful connections with peers, volunteers, and instructors. These social bonds are often cited as one of the most valuable parts of our program.