On April 17th, twenty three vessels departed Marina Hemingway for the U.S. East Coast in the final leg of the inaugural Salty Dawg Rally to Cuba. The Salty Dawg Sailing Association hosted this rally for American vessels in compliance with OFAC requirements for U.S. vessels and persons. Participants did research on a range of topics of interest to those who may visit Cuba in the future, from marine issues to Cuban culture and cuisine. This informative material will be posted on the Salty Dawg website by June 1st (www.saltydawgsailing.org ).
Vessels in the Rally departed Virgin Gorda, North Sound in late March and others from Key West in early April, conducting their research in Cuba from April 5th to 17th. The 14 day visit will support an educational-based people to-people exchange. Many more vessels than 23 expressed an interest in participating in this Rally, but the fleet was limited to keep the program manageable and worthwhile.
From the BVI and USVI, the Rally was a natural, with a downwind passage from the Caribbean back to the US via Cuba. Research of topics involved travels to many points in NW Cuba and throughout Havana, meetings and interviews with Cubans, visiting historical sites, attending cultural activities and events, and sampling local cuisine. Donated supplies were also transported by Salty Dawg vessels to be given to Cuban artists, crafts persons, and specialty clubs.
The Hemingway International Yacht Club officially welcomed the Salty Dawg Sailing Association with a colorful and fun Welcome Party, and closed the visit with a Farewell Dinner, complete with official signing of a Friendship Agreement between the two organizations, performance by a Cuban rock band, a whole pig roast, an exchange of burgees, and presentation of a plaque from the SDSA to commend HIYC on its 25th Anniversary. The research, time with Cuban people, and special gatherings have left a lasting memory with all 120 sailors who participated in this Rally.
Rally Director Hank George says “Rallies such as this and the resulting reference material will help to build stronger bonds between Cuba and the USA in general, and their sailing communities in particular. We look forward to more such events by the Salty Dawg Sailing Association.”
The Salty Dawg Sailing Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that hosts several rallies, rendezvous and a series of blue water sailing seminars. Memberships in the Association are available for anyone interested in blue water sailing or long distance cruising. Salty Dawg burgees are found on vessels around the world. Over 2,000 sailors and 500 boats have participated in Salty Dawg Rallies, and over 1,400 sailors subscribe to notification of Salty Dawg events.
For more information and to join the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, visit the SDSA web site at www.saltydawgsailing.org .
