PAYING IT FORWARD WITH THE DAWGS

Written by Bob Osborn, SV Pandora

When I retired in 2012 my goal was to spend my time on something that made a difference.  Within a few years I found my place with Salty Dawgs, as a board member, later as president, and for the last five years as rally director where working with many aspiring blue water sailors over the years has been one of the most fulfilling things that I have ever done. 

My desire to do what I could to help other cruisers was kindled, in large part, during Brenda’s and my first run down the ICW and to the Bahamas for the 2012-13 season.  Along the way we met many cruisers who took us under their wings and helped us, setting the stage for many years to come.   Among those who were particularly generous in sharing their experiences were Bill and Maureen of Kalunamoo, helping us along the way as we gained confidence.  That chance encounter proved invaluable and now, more than a decade later, we still see them regularly and count them as among our closest cruising friends. 

This experience helped me realize that my goal was to do what I could to “pay it forward” and that is exactly what I have tried to do for nearly a decade and most recently as rally director.   The Salty Dawg Family has been an inspiration to me on so many levels, and when Brenda and I decided it was time to explore the Mediterranean, the Dawgs stepped up and agreed to organize a rally to the Azores from Bermuda, which I will lead.  

Salty Dawg supported us as we made our way to the Caribbean, helped us get home during the pandemic, and now as we prepare for our biggest adventure yet, the Dawgs are showing us the way.  My dad has been gone for more than ten years but before he passed, he said to me “Bob, wouldn’t it be great to take Pandora through the Straights of Gibraltar.”  Now it is the plan and Salty Dawg has made that possible. 

This is a big change for me and one that I do not take lightly.   While I will no longer have the title of rally director, I am no less interested in helping others as so many of you have helped us. 

Thanks to so many of our friends in the Salty Dawg family.  It has been a great ride for years now and I am so looking forward to the next chapter.  If you also volunteer for the Dawgs, thank you.  If not, think about it.  You will not be disappointed. 

If you want to track our progress, check out www.sailpandora.com

And please, keep those cards and letters coming [email protected]

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