VetsBoats began as Wooden Boats for Veterans in 2014, founded by Terry Moran. From his experiences growing up, living in and around wooden boats, and his service as a naval officer came an inspiration to do something to help veterans in need. It began with a simple but powerful metaphor: wooden boats have a soul all their own. Further, a wooden boat is a creation; it is formed, shaped and lovingly cared for by human hands; it requires sacrifice to maintain in healthy condition, and demands a purpose to thrive. So too does each person.

Beginning January 1, 2024, Wooden Boats for Veterans became VetsBoats, a renewed brand that captures our mission of supporting veterans as well as our intention to expand and reach as many veterans as possible to significantly counter veteran suicide and addiction. With a revised and focused business strategy, supported by an expanded team, we aim to scale and elevate the  impact of VetsBoats.

Our Mission is simply to provide Healing Through Camaraderie to service-disabled veterans and their families. We share the magic and beauty of wooden boats to help restore health and well-being to military veterans who suffer from PTSD and other traumatic injuries to body, mind and spirit.  We are here to inspire and motivate veterans to move from isolation into a participation and community of like-minded people on the San Francisco Bay and beyond.

We provide three programs, each fostering teamwork and community healing: 

• Experiential Sailing: A much-needed re-set — Veterans experience the positive emotions that are generated when one is surrounded by nature while practicing non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. 

• Sail Training & Marine Education: An array of knowledge and wisdom — Veterans learn new skills in an environment with a familiar sense of utility, accomplishment, and fellowship that civilian life lacks.

• Clover Restoration and Events: Wooden boats have a soul and contain a life force full of resolve and responsibility. Working toward their restoration and maintenance is akin to the redemption of our fellow man and woman as well as ourselves. Other events promoting community will also be held. Clover will also host community-building events for all constituencies of VetsBoats.

These programs also provide a pathway to veteran benefits in healthcare, education, housing, and employment. Through common purpose and teamwork, veterans rediscover inner strengths and share in the camaraderie of fellow veterans – a group in which they can confide.  Our programs encourage them to engage in a variety of activities that promote mindfulness and community creation. US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research shows that learning to sail and taking part in sailing activities, when paired with a therapeutic treatment program led by a medical healthcare provider, significantly increase lasting positive outcomes for participants – moving them from isolation to community to purpose. Through the Marin County veteran’s office, VetsBoats is an approved organization for veterans to perform community service. We make sure veterans get access to the benefits that they have earned from their service; and we remain in contact with them through surveys and regular engagement, constantly reinforcing the journey from Isolation/Loneliness to Community/Participation to Purpose/Power.

Board Members

Who We Are - Board of Directors

Terry Moran, Executive Director and Founder

Terry emigrated with his parents from Ireland and grew up aboard boats in Sausalito, CA. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School, he entered the Naval Academy Class of 1988. Terry served as a naval aviator, flying the F-14 Tomcat. Terry has held a variety of management responsibilities in aerospace engineering and program management. He lives in Sausalito and is a USCG-licensed captain for 100-ton vessels in inland and near coastal waters. 

Phil Connolly

Phil brings over 30 years of experience working as a CFO with many Silicon Valley technology companies. He earned a BS in General Engineering from the US Military Academy and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer with 14 years of service in active and reserve duty. Phil also served in finance roles at the Association of Graduates and his class at West Point, along with several veterans organizations. He served as Chairman of the Men’s Game committee at US Lacrosse and volunteered for youth lacrosse programs in Northern California.