Ben Poucher, the National Director of Warrior Sailing, joins us on the Sailcast during his fifth year at SDYC for the Warrior Sailing Training Camp. Ben tells us what the organization is all about, how the week-long camp works, and why this event is so unique compared to other wounded veteran programs.
Ben starts by talking about what the camp entails, about the boats, and about some of the special equipment they use to accommodate wounded veterans. Warrior Sailing rarely uses clinical equipment. “It’s really a lot of veterans just helping each other,” Ben explains.
“It’s my favorite part of the week. Not necessary the sailing, but getting the boat ready and breaking it down. Everybody’s participating and I think that’s what’s missed in a lot of activities that these guys and gals do,” he continues.
Ben continues to speak about the competition of sailing between the veterans and how to teach them good habits in sailing right from the beginning. From there, he touches on what a week at the camp looks like, starting from the application process, to the details of sailing each day, and ending with their outreach program to continue helping veterans get out on the water and make connections.
One of the most fun events that the warriors participate in during the week is the Poker Run. The sailors have to round the mark, stop the boat and pick cards off the buoy. Being able to stop and pick off the card proves their skills that if necessary they could stop and grab someone from off the boat. There is even a perpetual trophy here at the Club for the race.
Ben talks about the over 100 person waitlist nation-wide for their basic training camps. About 21-27 sailors go through each camp. “You think you’re making a big dent and then you begin to look at the numbers and start to realize why there are 30,000 support organizations.” Ben discusses how they are trying to go more for higher impact, which is why they limit the amount of people that can go through the camp.
The episode finishes by Ben explaining why he decided to start the organization and why he is so passionate about it.
If you would like to learn more about the organization, how to help or participate, or donate to the cause, visit www.warriorsailing.org.