The Fall Salty Dawg Rally is the best way to sail in company from the East Coast of the US to the Caribbean and Bahamas. This year there will be two starting venues instead of only one. The bulk of the fleet will start on or about November 3 from the Bluewater Marina in Hampton, VA. For those in Hampton, there will be a week of seminars and parties for the Dawgs before the start. This is a great chance to get to know the other crews and finalize preparations for the offshore passage.
The new, second start will be on or about October 31 from Essex, CT. The Essex Yacht Club is acting as the Rally host and events have been planned in the days leading up to the start. This is a great option for sailors based north of New York.
There are now three destinations for those sailing in the Fall rally. Crews can choose to sail to the British Virgin Islands where the Leverick Bay Resort in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound will host the fleet and offer hospitality and venues for Dawg events. Many local establishments will be offering the Dawgs discounts and fun evening parties. Antigua’s Falmouth Harbor is the other Caribbean destination for those who prefer to sail down island. This was the destination for last Fall’s Rally and Antiguans gave the Dawgs a very warm welcome. A whole series of fun events are already planned that will really get the Dawgs into the Caribbean spirit of things. The third destination is Green Turtle Cay, Abacos, Bahamas for crews who want to spend the winter in the Bahamas instead of the Caribbean. The marina there will host a reception party and provide venues for Dawg events.
Check out the full details on the Salty Dawg Sailing Association’s website: www.saltydawgsailing.org
