2021 Rally information coming soon.
Hosting blue water rallies in the U.S. and Caribbean is one of our specialties. Each rally is an opportunity for sailors to cruise-in-company, with the safety, camaraderie, and passage-preparation assistance that a rally can provide. Meet new friends and re-unite with old ones. Kids and pets are welcome.
The Salty Dawg Sailing Association (SDSA) is a nonprofit educational and charitable organization that strives to transfer knowledge and skills from veteran “Salty Dawgs” to less experienced cruisers, enabling independent decision-making and offshore confidence. The SDSA is a flexible close-knit collection of like-minded people with a passion for ocean sailing and the camaraderie of cruising life. All Salty Dawg rallies and events are led by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their dreams. Independent thinkers value the Salty Dawg focus on the importance of each skipper’s role to make the right decisions for his or her boat and crew.
If you would like to join us as a volunteer, we would love to benefit from your passion, personality, and expertise as we plan future events. Click here to volunteer.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is changing many things in our society, including how we are able to run our Salty Dawg events. The information you see on these pages describes how we normally run these activities. Our intention is to hold as many of these events as we can this year, but they will likely have to be structured differently. We believe we will still run the Rally to Maine and the Fall Rally, but the pre-departure and post arrival activities will need some changes. Rendezvous and Seminars will be difficult, but we are thinking of some creative ways to still hold some of those. Please check back to our website often for updates. We hope to have information up very soon. Hank George, President, SDSA May 30, 2020
With the worldwide attention and concerns about coronavirus, all captains should consider safe measures in every port visited. In addition, some countries are limiting or restricting entry. The SDSA highly recommends captains check for country updates at Noonsite.com, other relevant sources, and governmental sources. Due to the ever changing health concerns, we are not providing country or island specific updates. Read updated and detailed information here.
the hallmarks of a Salty dawg rally
what you can expect when you join a salty dawg rally
Fall Rally to the Caribbean
From the US to Antigua or The Bahamas. Rally leaves in early November. Click here for more details and to register.
Spring Rally to the U.S.
The Salty Dawg Spring Rally to the US departs the British Virgin Islands May 12, weather permitting. Click here for more details and to register.
Rally to Maine
From the Chesapeake Bay to Rockland, ME with stops in RI and MA. Leaves Chesapeake in early July. Click here for more details.
Rally to Nova Scotia
From Rockland, ME to the Bras d”Or Lakes, the Nova Scotia Rally is held in alternate years with the next one scheduled for August 2021. Click here for details.
Fun, friendships, camaraderie and great social events will give you an introduction to like-minded cruisers who will become life-long friends.
Extensive preparation assistance from experienced Salty Dawgs and industry-leading experts.
Weather briefings, daily forecasts, and personalized routing guidance.
Flexibility and an emphasis on supporting the decisions of each individual skipper based on what’s best for his or her boat and crew.
On-line fleet tracking for friends and families to watch your progress during offshore events….and to better locate you in case of an emergency.
Shore side coordination and at-sea communications.
Discounts and special promotions from our sponsors. And access to a broad array of SDSA Member-Only benefits, in addition to Rally participant benefits
Access to the Salty Dawg Crew List service at no additional charge, to identify potential crew members.
Our goal is to provide high quality events with the greatest possible value at the lowest possible entry fee - all made possible by the support of over 60 industry-leading sponsors and dozens of experienced cruisers who volunteer their time.
sea stories from the dawgs
Click here to read a year-by-year review of Dawgs in the News!
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helpful links
sign up now!
SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS AS A SALTY DAWG
Hats, shirts and other merchandise featuring our ubiquitous Love-Me-Love-My Dawg logo are available for sale at Salty Dawg events. Wear a colorful Salty Dawg hat or shirt to denote your status as one of our special breed. All proceeds support the mission of the Salty Dawg Sailing Association.
Purchase a sailing cap --- in one of ten brilliant colors.
Or, join the Salty Dawg Sailing Association and buy your burgee!
To order, Contact SDSAstore@saltydawgsailing.org