25th Anniversary Sail for Pride to benefit Folds of Honor, Tunnel to Towers and Warrior Sailing

25th Anniversary Sail for Pride © Sail Newport

On Saturday, September 26, sailors will gather for the 25th Anniversary Sail for Pride, a race around Conanicut Island to commemorate 9/11, raise funds for select nonprofit organizations, and fly the ensign in a show of patriotism.

Organizers have selected three beneficiaries for this year's edition: Folds of Honor, Tunnel to Towers, and Warrior Sailing. Proceeds from entry fees and an after-race fundraising social at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard will be split between the three charities.

"Sail for Pride in 2001 was one of the first organized sporting events in Rhode Island held after 9/11. We will never forget the victims of that horrible day in 2001. The way that sailors still rally for this event, raising needed funds for worthy nonprofits, shows the incredible generosity of our sailing community," says Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport.

"Twenty-five years later, this annual race remains a key event for the sailing community and supports veterans, service members, first responders, and their families. Thank you to our supporters, sailors, donors, and wonderful volunteers for continuing to make this regatta a success for 25 years strong," he adds.

The one-day race is open to boats 22 feet and larger. Sailboats will be organized into several racing classes, including PHRF (spinnaker and nonspinnaker), one-design, and multihull.

Funds to benefit families of fallen or disabled heroes through Folds of Honor

Folds of Honor Foundation provides life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.

"Folds of Honor is proud to team up with Sail for Pride," said Folds of Honor CEO and Founder, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney. "We believe the partnership will be a force multiplier to the mission and awareness of Folds of Honor and increase scholarship funding to the families of American military and first responder heroes. Together we will meet sacrifice with hope," he adds.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will receive donations for veterans and families

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation helps America's heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. They also build specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Children of the foundation's home recipients are offered full scholarships for undergraduate degrees and accredited trade school programs, helping secure their futures. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America never to forget September 11, 2001.

"Twenty-five years later, we still remember exactly what was taken from us on September 11, 2001, and we remember the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away, including my brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller," said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

"Tunnel to Towers made a promise to 'Never Forget' what happened on 9/11 and to stand with the families whose loved ones continue to risk their lives in the line of duty. Sail for Pride is one way we keep that promise, bringing sailors together to honor our country, honor our heroes, and make a difference," he adds.

Sail for Pride to help service members and veterans through Warrior Sailing

Warrior Sailing is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching our nation's wounded, ill, and injured heroes how to sail. Adapting their equipment and instructional techniques, they use sailing as a platform to positively impact the physical and mental health of the participants. Beyond just building a strong foundation in the fundamentals at Warrior Sailing Basic Training Camps, they provide opportunities for continued training, certifications, and competition. Warrior Sailing reconnects veterans to the camaraderie, teamwork, and purpose previously found in military service while connecting them to the broader sailing community, promoting a lifetime of engagement in the sport.

"We are honored to be selected as a benefiting charity of the Sail for Pride Regatta," said Cory Kapes, operations director of Warrior Sailing. "Partnerships like this do more than raise funds; they introduce our mission to new communities and create opportunities for veterans to experience the camaraderie, confidence, and sense of purpose that sailing can provide. The generosity of this community will help us continue delivering life-changing programs at no cost to those we serve, ensuring even more participants have the opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive on and off the water," he says.

How Sail for Pride started in Newport

In 2001, in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania, the first Sail for Pride was quickly organized to help the victims and honor and support affected families. Founders included Sail Newport, the International Yacht and Athletic Club (IYAC), Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, MacDesigns, Anheuser-Busch, and community sailors and volunteers. Three weeks later, 180 boats joined in, and $110,000 was raised for charities supporting the families of fallen NYFD firefighters, police, and the victims of the attacks and their families.

The display of patriotism and immense generosity, both on and off the water, left a lasting impression on the sailing community. Collectively determined never to forget that day, organizers and entrants vowed to hold the event every year and embraced the motto "Lest we Forget."

Over the past twenty-five years, more than $1,000,000 has been raised for nearly 30 charities. The organizers continue to raise funds for those in need through local and national organizations, as well as sailing-related nonprofit organizations.

Registration for sailboats: Register to Race
Donate to one, two, or all three charities: secure.qgiv.com/for/sailforpride2026