Captain Dan Peretz of Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center founded SOS in 2012, following the passing of a fellow sailor and dear friend of 40 years, Art Nicholson. In the weeks before Art’s passing, Dan suggested to Art’s wife that they try to get Art and his family on a sailboat to provide everyone a chance to experience joy and respite in their last weeks together. Those Sunday morning sails provided Art with so much happiness and gave everyone cherished memories of his last days. Spending time together on the coastal waters watching dolphins frolic and sea birds fly was precious and therapeutic. It benefitted the emotional wellbeing of everyone on board. It was from those wonderful experiences, and in honor of Dan’s friend, that SOS was created.

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GROWING AND HEALING

Word spread about Soothe Our Souls with the organization becoming well known in the local community and beyond. Sailing trips often rely on two boats to comfortably accommodate the number of guests in attendance. SOS has been fortunate to gain supporters and a strong family of volunteers who regularly contribute to the organization in a multitude of ways. We rotate health professionals on board while we're sailing such as a certified nutritionist to discuss healthy diet choices, yoga instructors who offer a mini yoga experience, meditation instructors, reflexologist, and other well-versed healing instructors. The goal is to provide healing both on the boat and off by giving our guests knowledge and healing tools they can use at home.

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SOS BUILDING: Treasure Island Waterfront Event Venue

In September 2016 Terry Porter, a longtime friend of Dan’s and now an SOS board member, discovered the Boca Ciega Sail and Power Squadron Building was for sale. Terry and Dan saw the incredible potential and opportunity the property provided for SOS. The building is now open and accommodates events such as birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, intimate weddings, corporate retreats, workshops, and fundraisers for SOS. The onsite dock provides an additional location to store SOS sailboats as well. In acquiring this property, Dan felt a strong sense of community in preserving this 1930's Treasure Island landmark. All rental proceeds go towards preserving and growing our nonprofit.

 

Dan looks forward to many years of soothing souls with SOS and his great team of volunteers.

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