FROM THE HELM

By Bob Osborn, SV Pandora, President SDSA

Winter is just around the Corner - Really!

The winter Caribbean sailing season is drawing to a close, all the Spring Rally boats have returned home safely, the DelMarVa rally is underway and soon the Down East Rally will head out from Hampton, bound for Rockland, Maine. 

There is plenty to do with Salty Dawg over the summer and even if you are not doing a rally, you can certainly connect with the fleet along the way.  Just check out the calendar on our website, available to all. 

BREAKING NEWS

SET SAIL WITH THE SALTY DAWGS THIS SUMMER!

DOWNEAST RALLY

Departing Hampton VA July 5, departing from Newport RI July 13.  

This just in!!  Please attend our free webinar:  A Look at the DownEast Rally, What to Expect.  June 11 at 5pm ET

 Whether you're gearing up for extensive offshore voyages, seeking a delightful summer retreat, or eager to expand your coastal cruising adventures while forging new friendships, the Downeast Rally offers an experience like no other. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of New England, renowned for its delectable seafood, picturesque coastlines, and charming historic towns. Embark on a journey filled with unforgettable sights, great food, and cherished moments with fellow sailors. This experience can be used as a stepping stone to our longer rallies, such as the Caribbean Rally, or the Homeward Bound Rally.

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OCTOBER 10, 2024:  ANNAPOLIS RENDEZVOUS

Join us for the Annual Salty Dawg Annapolis Rendezvous, sponsored by David Walters Yachts. Enjoy a congenial gathering of Salty Dawgs and friends at the Annapolis Elks Lodge, 2 Pythian Drive, Edgewater, MD, with drinks and dinner.  We are excited to announce that Sheryl and Paul Shard from Distant Shores will be the presenters for the evening.

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PAY IT FORWARD, AND VOLUNTEER FOR A SDSA WORKING GROUP!

The Sponsorship Working Group is looking for an individual to help with outreach and relationship maintenance with our sponsors.  Interested?  Reach out  to [email protected] 

The SDSA budget requires more than dues and rally fees to support its work.  The sponsorship program fills that need by offering exposure and advertising to our vendor-sponsors, and discounts and education to our members.  Sponsor advertising appears in our newsletter, on our website and at events.  Several of our events are made possible only through the generosity of our sponsors.  In addition to cash donations, substantial discounts are made available to our members on a variety of goods and services.  For more information on this and other working groups click here.

BEQUIA RENDEZVOUS

Written by Bill Woodroffe, Kalunamoo

We happened to be here when the Salty Dawg Sailing Association scheduled a rendezvous over the Easter Holiday. As “old members” we were asked to help host the rendezvous and with the help of Barbara and Ted on RAVEN we did. This was going to be a more informal gathering, something that cruisers find themselves in when wind, currents and schedule conspire to merge them into one harbor. 

DELIVERY HOME WITH AN ALL-WOMEN CREW

Written by Sandy Gray, Odyssey

After having completed three consecutive Caribbean Rallies with the SDSA I very much embrace and show pride in being a “Salty Dawg.” Being one of a very few sole women owner / captains in these rallies I’m constantly reminded that sailing is still a sport very much male dominated.  While many of the amazing women I’ve met are incredibly accomplished sailors, others identified as “First Mate” or “Admiral.” I met a lot of women in Hampton, VA who demurred and under-sold their skillset ~ and it was incredibly exciting to see these reluctant and unsure women arrive in Antigua 1500NM later beaming with new confidence and pride in their accomplishments.

THE LEGEND OF BOO BOO HILL

Legend has it that Boo Boo Hill in the Exumas is haunted by the ghosts from a missionary ship that went aground on the reef and sank, with the loss of all souls.  When the wind howls on a moonlit night you can hear the missionaries singing.

According to tradition, cruisers who leave a driftwood offering to King Neptune at the top of Boo Boo Hill will have safe passage and fair winds.  Of course the Salty Dawgs rose to the challenge!

HAMPTON

Diane Mackenzie had a chat with James (Jay) Richardson from the Hampton VA Convention and Visitors Bureau, a long-standing supporter of SDSA.  Each year they host the start of our Caribbean Rally - offering tons of logistical support – from the convenient shuttle to tables and chairs for our workshops and gathers.  We could not ask for a better partner as we gather and prepare to head south.  Thank you for your support and friendship.

VisitHampton.com

@VisitHamptonVa

You have supported the Salty Dawg Caribbean Rally in Hampton VA for several years now.   How long has Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau been involved with the Salty Dawgs and how did the relationship get started?

THIS MONTH IN PICTURES

The Dawgs are on the move!  Last hold-outs in the Bahamas, fishing on passage, and safe arrivals 

MEET THE DAWGS:  Karen and Dennis Careri, Toes in the Water

Boat Length and Type:  2015 Lagoon 450