Iron Compass Sailing
Designed by a Veteran for Veterans
Our Services
Three Day Sailing and Emotional Regulation Retreat
Over a three-day period learn sailing skills, combined with interactive therapeutic techniques to help support Veterans manage both seen and unseen combat related injuries.
Iron Compass, an integrated Adaptive Sports and Resilience Program designed to improve outcomes for veterans with both visible and invisible disabilities. The program combines adaptive sailing with evidence‑based therapeutic interventions, including grounding techniques, coping‑skills development, and cognitive behavioral techniques delivered by Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs).
Iron Compass serves veterans experiencing post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use recovery challenges, and other service‑related mental health conditions, as well as veterans with combat‑related physical injuries, including mobility limitations and amputations.
The program includes a three‑day intensive adaptive sailing clinic led by a disabled combat veteran, followed by ongoing monthly virtual sailing‑based peer support groups to reinforce skills, reduce isolation, and anchor participants in long‑term community involvement.
Iron Compass offers integrated Adaptive Sports and Therapeutic Program designed to improve outcomes for veterans with seen and unseen disabilities. The program, focuses on veterans experiencing post‑traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other service‑related mental health conditions. The program will also be accessible to veterans with combat‑related physical injuries, including mobility limitations and amputations, ensuring that participants of all abilities can engage fully and safely.
We are located in Sausalito, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge,
Engage with Licensed Mental Health Therapists, without sitting in an office. Therapists provide interactive, real techniques for healing. Our therapists with over 20 years of experience working with trauma, substance use and people with different abilities. We integrate therapeutic techniques into the sailing experience. This means that our licensed therapists are actually part of the sailing crew and assist not only in teaching therapeutic techniques and coping but also help crew the boat and support with sailing skills
At Iron Compass, we want to ensure that this retreat is not just a one time event, all veterans once signed up for our program are welcome in the sailing community. We offer monthly zoom meetings where you can connect to share your sailing experiences, talk about sailing and be part of a supportive community
About Us
Why Sailing?
Sailing is increasingly recognized as a powerful form of adaptive sports therapy for veterans, offering both physical rehabilitation and meaningful psychological benefits. Through adaptive equipment and modified techniques, veterans with a wide range of physical injuries or disabilities can actively participate, rebuilding strength, balance, and coordination at their own pace.
Beyond the physical aspects, sailing fosters confidence, independence, and teamwork, helping veterans rediscover a sense of purpose and control that can be lost after injury or during the transition to civilian life. The calming rhythm of the water, combined with the focus required to navigate and respond to changing conditions, can also reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD, making sailing a holistic therapeutic experience that supports long-term healing and reintegration.
We offer a three day sailing retreat which includes time out on the water each day. Our lead sailor, a veteran himself, has learned to address his combat related injuries through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Sailing. His passion and desire to share these opportunities with other veterans, drives our program.
We will sail a 36 foot Islander Sailboat throughout the San Francisco Bay throughout the three-day retreat. All participants will have the opportunity to work the sails and be active members of the crew, including steering the boat during three-day retreat.
Itinerary:
Schedule:
Day 1: 1:00 Introduction to Sailing, touring the boat
3:00 Initial Sail in the Bay
6:00 Dinner and Discussion of Sailing and Therapeutic Grounding Techniques
Day 2: 9:00 Review of Sailing Strategies
10:30 Sail on the Bay
12:00 Sail and Dock for Lunch, Debrief of Sailing, Coping Skills, and Strategies for Success.
2:00 Back on the Water for Sailing
4:00 Return to the Dock
Day 3: 9:00 Breakfast and Review of Sailing Techniques and Emotional Regulation Techniques
10:30 Sail on the Bay
1:00 Return to the Dock
Schedule is approximate and may vary due to tides and weather
