Homeward Bound Rally

May 10, 2023 departure (weather permitting)

The Homeward Bound Rally 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 begins with captains and crew gathering in Antigua in late April, sharing a farewell dinner at Boom Restaurant, English Harbour, Antigua before departing for the passage to the US Virgin Islands (USVI). Boats anchor at various harbors in St. John and St. Thomas, USVI. Farewell events in the USVI will be localized and planned by departing boats. All events should be conducted in a Covid-safe environment.

Boats departing from the Bahamas will gather in Marsh Harbour. An Exumas rendezvous is in the works for mid April. Details coming soon.

As with all Salty Dawg rallies, the stated departure date is a goal, the actual date the fleet leaves port is weather dependent. The Rally includes weather routing, position tracking, and an extensive level of coordination and support during the offshore passage.

An arrival dinner in Hampton, VA will be planned for those boats that choose to make landfall there. All Salty Dawgs are welcome at this event to provide a warm welcome to arriving cruisers. The primary marina in Hampton is "The Docks at Downtown Hampton." Call ahead for reservations and make sure to mention you are with the Salty Dawgs; +1-757-727-1276. The secondary marina is Salt Ponds Marina.

The Rally includes weather routing by The Marine Weather Center, position tracking by PredictWind, and an extensive level of coordination and support during the offshore passage. Once you are accepted to the rally and your rally fees have been paid, you will be receiving rally specific information and access to the rally Welcome Page. Please review the Passage Discussion section, which contains information about the conditions likely to be encountered.

VHF radio and offshore communications equipment is required. Please read the COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFSHORE RALLIES Note: Long form email is not a requirement for the 2023 Homeward Bound Rally.

Don't forget to stay in touch with the Salty Dawgs on Facebook; “Salty Dawg Sailing and Friends”

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.

Rally Manager: this position acts as the Rally Director's assistant. The Rally Manager does the detailed organizing and planning for the rally. Sharing with the Rally Director, hosts some of the Captains Calls. Participation in the rally itself is not necessary. This position is flexible to accommodate your time for availability.

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.