Sail to Win is a nonprofit founded by Army veteran Aaron “Ike” Isaacson, alongside professional sailors Mike Patterson and Whitney Curtin. Their vision is to empower wounded veterans and first responders by introducing them to the world of competitive sailing—a sport that requires communication, resilience, and trust. These values resonate deeply with those of us who’ve served in the military.

As a blind Army veteran, I was honored to helm the Chinook throughout the race. With tactician Mike Patterson by my side, calling out conditions and keeping me in sync with the environment, I felt every shift in the wind and motion of the water as if I were dancing with the sea. Whether steering with the reactive tiller of the Chinook or the powerful wheel of the vintage Intrepid, sailing offers an unmatched connection to the present moment.

The regatta course around Conanicut Island was filled with fluctuating winds and challenging conditions, demanding focus and teamwork. Our crew didn’t take first place that day, but for all of us on board, it felt like a victory. It was about more than just a race—it was about resilience, purpose, and a return to the camaraderie many veterans miss after leaving service.

I’m grateful to the entire Sail to Win crew for making this possible, and to Yachting Magazine for helping share our story. Sailing is more than sport—it’s therapy, teamwork, and transformation all rolled into one. I look forward to many more missions on the water with this extraordinary team.

Read the full article here: Sail to Win Gets Vets On The Salt – Yachting Magazine