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Homeward Bound Rally

May 14, 2026 Homeward Bound rally departure from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas (weather permitting)

Registration -now open
Fees & What's Included
Passage Discussion
Required Equipment
Crew Finder
Rally FAQs
Volunteer to Help

The Homeward Bound Rally from the Caribbean is an offshore passage in the company of other boats of many nationalities.  The official destination is Hampton, Virginia, USA, but boats will sail directly to various ports on the US East Coast and Canada. 

The rally to the US this May will have departures from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas in May for points north. 

The Rally includes weather routing by Chris Parker/The Marine Weather Center, a position tracking map, and an extensive level of coordination and support from our Shoreside Team during the offshore passage.   All boats will also have round the clock, comprehensive “concierge” style 24/7 emergency medical support from GW Maritime Medical Service, a division of the George Washington University Medical Faculty. Provided with this service, skippers will have the opportunity to work directly with GWMMS in advance of departure to prepare a comprehensive pharmaceutical and emergency aid kit to ensure that you are prepared to deal with many emergencies while underway.

Homeward Bound Rally participants are also encouraged to consider participating in a Spring Bermuda Stopover, to take place May 20-22.  Highlights in Bermuda will include a visit to Trunk Island, a tour of the MAROPS headquarters, parties at the Dinghy Club and at St. George's Marina with rum tastings and finger foods, exclusive duty free fuel-up in St. George's, and waiver of the Transit Permit needed for entry.  Of course, Bermuda has a lot to see and do, so consider staying on longer than three days, but please review the policy for continuing on with Homeward Bound rally support, in which case arrangements for routing home must be done independently.  (Read here for discussion of continued rally support if you are considering planning a Bermuda stop during your passage home.)  

Once you are accepted to the rally and your rally fees have been paid, you will be receiving access to the rally Welcome Page which contains all rally specific information.  As with all Salty Dawg rallies, the stated departure date is a goal, but the actual date the fleet leaves port is weather dependent. 

VHF radio and offshore communications equipment are required for participation. Note: There have been changes to accepted tracking devices, please read the updated equipment requirements here. A limited number of Zoleo trackers will be available for rental. See this article for more details.

Impromptu arrival gatherings will be planned in Hampton, VA if enough boats make landfall there at the same time. The primary marina in Hampton is The Docks at Downtown Hampton.  

Don't forget to stay in touch with the Salty Dawgs on new SDSA mobile App, details here.

All Salty Dawg rallies and events are led by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their dreams.  The SDSA unites experienced ocean sailors with developing cruisers to broaden their blue water horizons. 

 

SALTY DAWG RALLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you would like to join us as a volunteer, we would love to benefit from your passion, personality, and expertise as we plan future events. Click here to volunteer.

  • Fleet Captain: this position takes over in the departure location with help from the Port Captains.  The Fleet Captain and Port Captain share in welcoming activities and any events.  After departure from any port, keeps the fleet organized.
  • Port Captains: this position takes the plans made in cooperation with the Rally Manager and implements them at each Port. The Port Captains and the Fleet Captain share in welcoming activities and planned events.
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