FROM THE HELM

By Mike Benjamin, SV Exodus, President SDSA

FLY YOUR BURGEE

One of the best parts about being a member of the Salty Dawgs is the camaraderie of fellow members.  I’ve written in the past about our amazing community and how interacting with fellow cruisers is not just fun, but is critical when you need help, both technically and emotionally.  This life can be frustrating at times, (think, breakdowns, broken moorings, ciguatera, breakdowns, bad weather, breakdowns…) and Ronna and I find that when we are at our lowest, the support of fellow cruisers gets us through.  

So, how do you build your community?  I think being seen by fellow Dawgs is a good first step.  Although I urge everyone to branch out and befriend fellow cruisers who are not Dawgs, it’s certainly easier to break the ice with fellow members.

Depart Hampton, VA July 5, depart New England July 13

MARITIME RALLY

July 16, 2025

If you are looking for an exciting adventure, come along with other Salty Dawgs on the Maritime Rally.  Groups will start either from Southern New England (Cape Cod area) or from Northern New England (Rockland Maine). After a passage across the Gulf of Maine, all participants clear customs and congregate in Shelburne, NS.  Then the rally continues along the attractive sea-bound Nova Scotia coast, all the way up to beautiful Cape Breton Island and the Bras d’Or Lake.  Following the concluding activities in Baddeck, explore all of Cape Breton independently or with others.  Cape Breton offers a distinctive blend of Celtic, French Acadian, and English culture.  And remember, in Nova Scotia you have no lobster pots to contend with in the summer! 

DISCOVERING NEW ANCHORAGES IN THE BAHAMAS 

Written by Doug Weibel, SV Frolic

Are there any new anchorages for a cruiser left to discover in the Bahamas?  Perhaps at Andros with its long, poorly documented coastline, but surely not in the Exumas.  A popular cruising ground for decades, one must assume that some cruiser has anchored in every possible nook or cranny in the Exumas at some point.  Still, there are spots that aren’t much recognized as anchorages.  We had the pleasure to wander our way into one, and I’m going to give up the info on this great spot.

We had a boatload of guests.  Our son, Drew, and his wife, Jenny, and our daughter, Ashley, and her boyfriend, Chad, had all come for a long week.  We were having a great time, excepting trying to transport six people about in our dinghy.  After a few days of beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving, conch, lobster, and other fun, I had to make an announcement.  We had some adverse weather coming and were going to have to find a place to ride it out for a day or maybe a day and a half.

SAILING AT THE EDGE:  BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE AMERICA'S CUP 

Written by JB Braun, SV EOS

Fresh off the 2024 America's Cup in Barcelona, JB and Kelley are excited to share a glimpse into the incredible technology and intense teamwork that define this iconic race.  Having joined the Salty Dawg community while preparing for their next cruising adventures, JB and Kelley were thrilled to be invited to contribute to the newsletter—especially given their shared adventures following alongside fellow Marbleheaders Katie & Jeremy Bloxham (Persephone) and Kate & Bill Jones (Carried Away).

JB’s career in the America's Cup world spans seven campaigns, with roles from sail designer to aerodynamic and hydrodynamic integration specialist, contributing to two America's Cup wins and a 2024 Louis Vuitton Cup victory.  His recent work with the British INEOS Britannia team has given him a front-row seat to some of the most advanced sailing technology ever seen.

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. 

OFFSHORE AND UNREACHABLE?  NOT WITH ZOLEO

Written by Shannon Hurd, Content Marketing Manager/RoadPost

For boaters, staying connected isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. When you’re miles offshore, beyond the reach of cellular networks, reliable communication is vital for safety, navigation and peace of mind. While some smartphones now offer limited satellite messaging, they simply aren’t built for life at sea. That’s where ZOLEO stands apart.

Smartphone Limitations Offshore:  Every seasoned boater knows: once you lose sight of land, cellular service fades fast. Many have experienced the frustration of trying to get a signal just to check weather updates, coordinate with other vessels or reach out for help. Worse yet, mechanical failures, sudden storms or medical issues can escalate quickly if you’re unable to reach assistance.

MARTINIQUE