The Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) is super keen to foster veterans sailing in Melbourne — and we’re looking to partner with welcoming clubs across the Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula region to make sailing more accessible for Defence personnel, veterans, and their families in Victoria.

As a veteran-led, Australian Sailing-affiliated club, a Mobile Discover Sailing Centre, and an ACNC-registered Health Promotion Charity, we take sailing directly to where veterans and their families live — breaking down barriers and creating new pathways into your club life.

We achieve this through inter-club Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) — working alongside your venue, equipment, and members to deliver inclusive, supported sailing activities as part of your club community.

What We Bring to Your Club:

• A fully insured, Australian Sailing-compliant veterans' program
• Motivated, reliable participants — veterans and families with teamwork, leadership, and a willingness to volunteer
• New faces keen to join club races, regattas, training, and social events
• Positive PR, community goodwill, and social impact outcomes — great for your club's story
• Potential access to inclusion-focused grants and funding
• Increased activity and revenue for your venue — from food, beverage, and services

Why This Partnership is Different:

This isn’t a charity model — it’s a co-elevating, purpose-driven partnership.

• Veterans gain skills, confidence, wellbeing, and new social connections.
• Clubs gain fresh energy, volunteers, future members, and new funding opportunities that support inclusive, community-building programs.

Our National Footprint is Growing:

• 1,040+ RevSport participant registrations in 2024
• 500+ already locked in for 2025 — and growing!
• Active programs running in Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Newcastle, Mooloolaba — and soon, we hope — Melbourne and Mornington too.

Who We Already Collaborate With:

Manly Sailing, Manly Yacht Club, Palm Beach Sailing Club, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Gosford Sailing Club, Mooloolaba Yacht Club, Making Waves Foundation — and more.

Ready to Explore a Melbourne Partnership?

We’d love to chat with clubs, and sailing venues across Victoria who believe in the power of connection, community, and the sea.

Email us at sailingproject@saltwaterveterans.org.au to start the conversation.

Words by: Scott Reynolds