New England PVA has been partners with the Sail to Prevail Program for many years. New England PVA has funded one of the adaptive sailboat fondly named “Speedy”, as a nod to PVA’s original logo mascot.  Each year “PVA Weekend” is held which gets members and family out on the water for a few days. Many catch the bug and join their program weekly, which is based in Newport, RI. They also host sailing each year for the Summer Sports Clinic held in July.

Sail to Prevail supports members by providing or hosting programs specifically for Veterans with any type of disability (including but not limited to paraplegics, quadriplegics and amputees).

“PVA Day”

Date:  TBD (usually, the 3rd Weekend in June)

Sail To Prevail dedicates a special event each summer to our distinguished VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES to enjoy the camaraderie and fun of sailing together. The usual fee is waived – the sailing is FREE to the individual sailors! Lunch aboard the boats is included. You are also our special guest at our “Commissioning” event when it falls on the same day; otherwise, we will treat you to dinner, together with the Sailing Instructors, at a local Newport restaurant after a great day of sailing.  Participants will take home a souvenir T-Shirt and have access to all photos from the day’s event to capture those fabulous memories.

Since 2010, Sail To Prevail has hosted this special time of sailing for Veterans, in collaboration with Paralyzed Veterans of America. This partnership for the benefit of Veterans with disabilities, is our way to say THANK YOU for your service to our country!

Location and Logistics

Sailing is operated from our docks at 60 Fort Adams Drive, in Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI.

Arrive at the dock by 10:30 a.m., and enjoy sailing for up to four hours, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

At the docks, non-ambulatory participants who need assistance are boarded onto the sailboats using a transfer lift. They are then safely secured into specially designed pivoting seats, allowing them the freedom of movement to sail the boat.

Life vests are provided; you are welcome to bring your own US-Coast-Guard-approved life vest if you prefer.

Please bring your own sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and wet wear.

Please wear white-soled shoes, such as tennis shoes.

Lunch (sandwich, chips, soda) and bottled drinking water will be provided aboard the boats.

An invitation to our annual “Commissioning” will be included Saturday evening, OR dinner together at a Newport restaurant, as funds permit.

If funds are available, a T-shirt will also be provided for each participant at PVA Weekend. To help you choose the appropriate size when filling out the registration form, this link provides T-shirt Size Specifications.

Photos will be made available by sharing a folder on our Google drive. Once you have access to the folder, you are encouraged to UPLOAD any photos that you shot, as well, to share them with Sail To Prevail and the entire PVA Weekend group.

Your comments are always appreciated, too, whether a short couple of lines by email, or a few paragraphs describing the favorite aspects of your day of sailing. Your first-hand experience in words and pictures will encourage other veterans to try this activity, and your personal input helps Sail To Prevail reach out to donors who support this program for veterans.

More Information

For complete calendar of activities and events click here.

For more information about New England PVA’s sports and recreational activities please email sports@pvanewengland.org.

Adaptive Activities