Welcome to our newly expanded newsletter, now monthly and in a new format.   For years now, we have been sending out our newsletters every other month and during this time our distribution has grown to remarkable 7,000 per issue.  As of this month we are expanding to monthly distribution as so much is going on with the  Salty Dawgs and we want to keep you informed.

So, here we are on the cusp of the winter Caribbean season and it’s hard to believe that it’s nearly time for the Salty Dawg Caribbean Rally to depart from Hampton and Newport.  After a busy summer cruising season with successful rallies to both Maine and the Canadian Maritimes, all sights are now focused on the Annapolis boat show and our rendezvous featuring Gary Jobson, America’s Cup veteran and much sought after speaker.  We are expecting a record turnout so don’t delay in signing up. 

Before long many of us will be participating in the Caribbean rally and plans are set for events in advance of departures from Hampton, VA and Newport, RI with nearly 100 boats heading for the Bahamas and Antigua on or about November 1^st.

This year has been a busy one for Salty Dawg with record membership numbers.  We have introduced a mentoring program to help those preparing for the rally, connecting blue water veterans with those looking for some personal support as they prepare for their big run.

As we look forward to the new year we plan to expand the mentoring program to include members who plan to head south in a few years but are not quite ready and wish to receive guidance from experienced skippers.  There are so many decisions needed before such a passage and this program will team up those who need help with those who are “out there doing it”.

Salty Dawg is first and foremost an educational organization dedicated to helping skippers and crew gain the skills and experience to have successful blue water passages.   Now into our second decade, we remain true to this mission and will continue to expand on the already impressive benefits for our members.

With dozens of educational webinars each year and an increasing number of rendezvous, there are more reasons than ever to be a part of SDSA.

As I come up on the end of my first term as president I feel so strongly about our mission, and frankly, I am having a great time.  I am happy to report that the board has agreed to let me extend to a second term beginning at the end of the year.   

I could not be prouder of all that SDSA has accomplished over the last few years.  If you feel inspired to pay it forward and help out, like so many others, please reach out to me at [email protected] or our executive director, Tatja Hopman at [email protected]