Plans are well underway for the annual Salty Dawg Sailing Association2026 Caribbean Rally. This year will mark the 16th consecutive year of running the flagship rally in company to the Caribbean.
SDSA president Mike Benjamin announced, “Vessels can choose to depart from either (i) Hampton, Virginia, with an anticipated departure date of November 1, 2026 (weather permitting), bound for either Marsh Harbor, Great Abaco, Bahamas or Antigua or (ii) Newport Rhode Island, bound for Antigua, with an anticipated departure date in late October. Vessels destined for Antigua will also have the option to stop briefly in Bermuda.”
The passage to Antigua should take about 12 days while the passage to the Bahamas should take about 5 days.
On June 22 and July 20, the SDSA will presentfree zoom webinars about the Caribbean Rally which will cover many details about the experience, presented by Salty Dawg members who have made this passage multiple times. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions. To register for these free events, go to: A Look at the 2026 Caribbean Rally
Here are the benefits of participating in this rally:
- Pre-departure education and support from the SDSA team, outside experts and sponsors. Learn how to prepare for and what to expect on your passage to the Caribbean.
- Leadership by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their sailing dreams.
- Twenty-four-hour tracking and SDSA shoreside emergency support services to help ensure a well-run and safe rally for all.
- Emergency “concierge” style 24/7 medical support by George Washington Maritime Medical Services.
- Pre departure and daily on route weather forecasting and routing by Chris Parker at Marine Weather Center.
- Position tracking map.
- Pre departure and arrival social events and camaraderie.
This rally is an opportunity for sailors to cruise-in-company, with the safety, camaraderie, and passage-preparation assistance that the SDSA provides. Meet new friends and reunite with old ones. Kids and pets are welcome. Every SDSA rally unites experienced ocean sailors with developing cruisers to broaden their blue water horizons. Independent thinkers also value the Salty Dawg’s focus on the importance of each skipper’s role to make the right decisions for his or her boat and crew.
To register or for more information go to
https://www.saltydawgsailing.org/caribbean-rally
The Salty Dawg Sailing Association is a Rhode Island registered 501c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering safe seamanship, safe passage-making, and camaraderie in the cruising community.
