Saltwater Veterans
Connecting Veterans Through Sailing | Founded initially in 2017 as Four Men in a Boat, a Facebook group, since 2018 Saltwater Veterans has grown into a strong and thriving community supporting veterans, current serving ADF members, and their families through sailing, maritime adventure, and water-based activities.
Built on camaraderie, connection, and shared experience, Saltwater Veterans is about getting people back amongst community, challenging themselves, and embracing the positive impact of life on the water.
Our clothing reflects the social impact, identity, spirit, and culture of the salty community we’ve built — representing resilience, belonging, teamwork, and adventure.
When you don your Salty Vets kit, you are representing our vision, mission, purpose, community, and the lifestyle behind Saltwater Veterans.
Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project
SVSP is our seperate ACNC-registered health promotion charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, founded in 2022. In 2023, we became an Australian Sailing affiliated club, delivering inclusive sailing programs for current and former ADF members.
We sail regularly across Australia—including Manly, Middle Harbour, Cronulla, Gosford, Newcastle, Canberra, Mooloolaba and Melbourne—with fly-away instructor teams extending our reach to other regions.
In 2025, SVSP was recognised as Australian Sailing Club of the Year (Category B) at both NSW/ACT and national awards, reflecting the positive impact of our programs on veterans and the broader sailing community.
Our mission is simple: connection, purpose, and wellbeing through sailing, with a strong focus on inclusivity for Wounded, Injured, and Sick (WIS) veterans. We’re grateful to Minter Ellison Lawyers for their pro bono foundation-support and to our community, whose shared spirit helps veterans reconnect and thrive on the water.
Fundraising - Support the Mission
Your experience matters.
Have Your Say
By taking part in our survey, you are helping shape a better understanding of the mental health and wellbeing of veterans involved in the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project. This research, led by the University of Newcastle in collaboration with Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SWV Ltd), will help strengthen future programs and support for veterans and their families. Thank you for contributing to positive change.
WATCH | the impact of your support!
