A participant stands aboard a sailboat in a marina.

Sailing Rehabilitation Expeditions

Our seven-day sailing rehabilitation expeditions to the Canary Islands and Greece help Ukrainian defenders with amputations and survivors of Russian captivity rebuild confidence, independence and purpose through sailing, camaraderie and shared responsibility as equal members of a crew.

Status: Completed
Location: Community program · Ukraine
Timeline: Dates to be confirmed

Adaptive RehabilitationCommunity & Cultural Recovery

The essentials

About this project

Who it supports
Our sailing rehabilitation program supports Ukrainian defenders living with amputations and other serious injuries, alongside those who have returned from Russian captivity. The program offers veterans and former prisoners of war an opportunity to reconnect with their physical capabilities, rebuild confidence and experience camaraderie in a supportive environment beyond traditional rehabilitation settings.
What it involves
Each seven-day sailing expedition combines practical sailing instruction, teamwork and opportunities for psychological and emotional relief. Participants learn to handle sails, stand watch, navigate and take responsibility for essential duties aboard the vessel. Working alongside fellow defenders and volunteers, every crew member contributes to the shared task of sailing. On board, there is no distinction between those giving and receiving help. There is only one crew. This environment of equality, trust and shared responsibility creates opportunities for personal achievement, connection and renewed confidence, while offering time away from the pressures of everyday life.
Who delivers it
The program is delivered by experienced sailing instructors and Ukrainian volunteers working alongside veterans and fellow defenders. Specialist crew members provide sailing instruction, practical assistance and a supportive environment in which every participant can contribute according to their abilities, with an emphasis on equality, teamwork and shared responsibility.
Partners involved
Fierce Calm supports the program through collaboration with Ukrainian veteran rehabilitation and sailing organisations, including Titans Under Sails. The partnership brings together sailing expertise, veteran peer support and rehabilitation-focused activities to create meaningful opportunities for recovery beyond clinical settings. By supporting Ukrainian-led initiatives, Fierce Calm helps expand access to programs that strengthen independence, connection and long-term reintegration into community life.
What it aimed to support
The program aims to restore confidence, independence, emotional wellbeing and a sense of personal agency following injury, captivity and the experiences of war. Through shared challenges and meaningful responsibility, participants rediscover their capabilities, strengthen bonds with fellow veterans and experience a renewed sense of trust in themselves and others. Central to the program is the belief that rehabilitation is not simply about receiving support, but about regaining the confidence and opportunity to contribute, take responsibility and move forward.