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Wind in their sails

 
Raymond Castillo, left, of Fort Benning, Ga., and instructor Brad Johnson of Pompano Beach cruise Wednesday at the Warrior Sailing Basic Training Camp at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center. Johnson is on the U.S. Sailing Paralympic team. Most of the 25 participants in the three-day camp had never sailed before. The Warrior Sailing Program hopes to develop a competitive warrior team and offers followup training for participants who want to compete.
Raymond Castillo, left, of Fort Benning, Ga., and instructor Brad Johnson of Pompano Beach cruise Wednesday at the Warrior Sailing Basic Training Camp at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center. Johnson is on the U.S. Sailing Paralympic team. Most of the 25 participants in the three-day camp had never sailed before. The Warrior Sailing Program hopes to develop a competitive warrior team and offers followup training for participants who want to compete.
Published April 2, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — The Warrior Sailing Basic Training Camp, based at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center, brought in 25 wounded and active veterans this week.

Most of the participants in the three-day camp have never sailed before. The veterans come from all branches of the military and have a variety of injuries, which include limb loss, blindness, and traumatic brain injuries.

The participants learn to race in Sonar sailboats, which are Olympic-class boats. There are typically three people per boat. Adaptive equipment is added to the boats for the physically disabled.

The Warrior Sailing Program works to develop a competitive sailing team and offers follow-up training for participants who want to compete.