Website: saltwaterveterans.org
With the last weekend of Summer upon us - and although they sail year round - a 'dip into the briny' courtesy of the Saltwater Veterans, is more than an appropriate way to bid farewell to the 2024/2025 Season and 'welcome' to all we can do this Autumn.Saltwater Veterans, originally known as ‘Four Men in a Boat’, was Co-founder Scott Reynolds and three veteran friends with no sailing experience taking to the waters to reconnect with life and each other. Following an 18-year naval career, Scott found the camaraderie, the movement, and the sheer enjoyment of being out on the water had immediate benefits for each veteran’s physical and mental health. Inspired by the effects on his wellbeing, Scott and his wife Jen started volunteering, encouraging more veterans to get involved in sailing.
Saltwater Veterans has been operating since 2017, and commenced here, on the waters of Pittwater's estuary.
In 2018 they became the Saltwater Veterans.
With a crew of ‘salty volunteers, yacht clubs and sponsors such as Young Veterans and more recently local RSL sub-branches, Saltwater Veterans are now fostering overlapping communities in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Nowra, Perth and Mooloolaba, and upwards of 80–100 veterans each month on water.
''Being on the water can be of physical, mental, and emotional benefit for a variety of injuries and illness. Plus, it’s a really fun way for our veterans to express teamwork – one of many things veterans have in spades.'' Scott and Jen Reynolds explain
‘When you have a participant turn up, it’s amazing the change from the beginning of the day to the end of the day,’ says Tom Spithill, Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project Sports Ambassador.
The Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project organises one event in each location every month. The biggest single event had 105 current serving soldiers sailing, with 20 boats largely skippered by volunteers.
The core vision remains steadfast: to cultivate a connected community of veterans and their families through engagement with water activities.
''At Saltwater Veterans, the crew are driven by a deep sense of family and a commitment to serving our community and to support individuals who, like the Saltwater Veterans, at some point in their lives, have sought assistance in re-engaging socially through the empowering and kinetic experience of sailing.''
The Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project reached an important milestone in September 2022 by officially establishing the SWV Ltd trading as Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) as an Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) registered health promotion charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and as a recognised Australian Sailing club.
Your support will ensure a future of camaraderie, skill-building, and meaningful engagement for those who have served our nation.
Manly residents Scott and Jen Reynolds, Co-Founders of the Saltwater Veterans & Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project kindly lend a few more insights into this outstanding organisation.
Did Saltwater Veterans Commence at RPAYC on Pittwater? How Did It Get Started?
Yes, the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) first found a home at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) on Pittwater. Our founders, Jen and Scott Reynolds, initially began sailing with a group of four veterans in 2017 under the racing name Four Men in a Boat. What started as a casual gathering soon evolved into a structured veterans’ sailing community. Today, we are an ACNC-registered charity with DGR status, an Australian Sailing Affiliated Club, and a mobile Discover Sailing Centre. RPAYC provided invaluable support, helping us introduce more veterans to the benefits of sailing. Over time, our network has expanded nationally, but Pittwater remains one of our most treasured sailing locations— and for good reason: its beauty! See SVSP in action HERE
SVSP Sailors will be taking part in the 2025 Hansa Worlds to be held on Pittwater – what are they looking forward to?
We are proud to have two Saltwater Veterans competing in the Hansa Worlds on Pittwater. This regatta presents an incredible opportunity for our veterans to compete at an international level, reinforcing their skills, resilience, and camaraderie. They are most excited about:
- Testing their abilities against some of the best adaptive sailors worldwide.
- Showcasing the inclusivity of sailing for all abilities.
- Representing the veteran sailing community on an international stage.
It has been amazing to partner with Sailability Crystal Bay and Pittwater to conduct pre-Worlds Championships training, learning from the support and expertise of the local sailing community.
Who is Saltwater Veterans for?
SVSP is open to all allied veterans and their families, with a special/additional focus on those who are Wounded, Injured, or Sick (WIS). Our project is designed to be all-abilities inclusive, providing both adaptive and mainstream sailing opportunities. Whether a veteran has physical injuries, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, sailing offers a therapeutic and social pathway to recovery.
What have been the attested benefits?
Many veterans report that sailing has significantly improved their mental health, confidence, and social reintegration. The sense of teamwork, purpose, and adventure mirrors the camaraderie of military life, helping veterans transition successfully into civilian communities. Published university studies support the therapeutic benefits of water-based activities, including stress reduction, resilience building, and decreased social isolation.
Where and when can Veterans and their families get involved?
Saltwater Veterans hosts regular sailing events across multiple locations, including Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Newcastle, and Mooloolaba. We also deploy teams to regional areas such as Melbourne, Jervis Bay, Darwin, and Adelaide to bring our program to veterans in different communities.
To get involved, veterans and supporters can visit our website or follow our social media pages for upcoming events.
Does SVSP offer other watersports?
While sailing is our primary focus, we also instruct Safety Boat training and we participate in SUP and wing foiling sessions in selected locations. These activities help veterans explore different aspects of water-based recreation, catering to various interests and skill levels.
Commissioning a Dedicated Sail Training Vessel – what vessel are Saltwater Veterans specifically looking for?
SVSP is actively seeking the donation of dedicated sail training vessels (or funding support to purchase these) to enhance our veterans' sailing education. Ideally, we need:
- A Beneteau First 40 or similar – This vessel aligns with similar Navy training programs, enabling coastal passage training and crew development.
- A J70 or Elliott 7 – A smaller, trailerable boat to support veterans in remote locations and ensure we can expand our reach.
How Can People Support Saltwater Veterans? Are Donations Tax Deductible?
Yes! SVSP is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) registered charity, meaning all donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Ways to support include:
- Direct Donations – Helps cover boat maintenance, event costs, and veteran participation.
- Boat Donations – Donating a vessel can provide a direct impact on our program while offering potential tax benefits.
- Sponsorship – Businesses can sponsor events, training programs, or specific equipment.
- Yacht Club Partnerships – Clubs can provide access to their training fleets to help veterans develop their sailing skills.
What are the Saltwater Veterans favourite places in Pittwater and why?
Our veterans love sailing in Pittwater because of its calm waters, stunning coastline, and strong sailing culture with the likes of local legend sailing coach Tommy Spithill - the entire Spithill family are long standing supporters of SVSP with Jimmy, Katie and Tommy all prominent ambassadors to our Salty Community. Popular spots include:
- The BIG POND (Nth of Scotland Island) – Has long been where you will find us crew training.
- Taylors Point – Through our ADF service, Taylors Point serves as our Forward Operating Base (FOB) for events throughout the year.
- Refuge Bay – Each year, we dedicate a commemorative and historic boating activity to honour those who served in wartime. Refuge Bay holds significant historical importance as the training site for Z Special Unit and the launch point for Operation Jaywick—the WWII attack on Singapore Harbour. Check out last year's trip HERE - also embedded below
What is Saltwater Veterans’ Motto?
“Sailing is our vehicle to social connection.”
This phrase reflects our belief that sailing is more than just a sport—it’s a way to reconnect, heal, and thrive after military service.
Join Us & Make a Difference!
Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project is more than a sailing club—it’s a community of veterans supporting veterans. Whether you’re a veteran looking to sail, a supporter wanting to help, or a business eager to partner with us, we welcome you aboard!
For more information on how you can participate, sponsor or donate to Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project visit www.saltwaterveterans.org
