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SDSA Bermuda Rally

May 18, 2025 (weather permitting)

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Experience a fun-filled summer adventure and island getaway with the Bermuda Rally! It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow sailors and share the excitement of the open sea.

In 2025, one of the feeder legs for the Azores Rally will depart from Hampton, VA, timed to coincide with boats joining the Bermuda Rally. Gain offshore miles while cruising alongside seasoned Salty Dawgs en route to Bermuda, where they'll connect with the Azores Rally fleet.

Bermuda is probably the most common off-shore destination for East Coast sailors in the U.S.  It is far enough off-shore (650nm) to be a true offshore passage and a great way to gain offshore miles.  Hundreds of East Coast boats make the passage each summer.  The Bermuda Rally takes advantage of the relatively stable weather available in May.  That said, you can expect to encounter everything from calm seas and gentle pleasant winds, to sporty conditions and outright tempests.

Captains and crew meet up in Hampton, Virginia at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay for pre-rally boat preparations, webinars, and impromptu socials events.  Captains head offshore (weather permitting) into the Atlantic, for the 650-nautical mile open ocean passage to St George’s, Bermuda.  The charming and stunningly beautiful island of Bermuda, and especially St. George’s Town, is a must stop for all cruisers.  Average sail time is expected to be 6-7 days. 

From May 24-30th participants in the Bermuda Rally will be in the company of our Homeward Bound and our Azores Rally boats.  A number of activities are planned for our rally boats converging on Bermuda, including arrival happy hours, a day visit to Trunk Island, and several evening events in St. George's.  SDSA vessels in Bermuda as part of our spring rallies will also benefit from a waiver of the Bermuda transit permit requirements and if there is enough demand, duty free fuel availability in St. George's. Captains and crew can also enjoy Bermuda at their leisure, and an extended stay will allow you to explore all of Bermuda's beauty and excitement.

 

May 23-27 Arrivals into St. George's harbor.   Happy hours/gatherings for those evenings will be announced on the 2025 Spring rallies Messaging groups.   Also note May 23 is Bermuda Day. 

Sunday May 25:  There is "Bermuda Fitted Dinghy" racing in St. George's Harbor, starting at noon.  The RHADC lists this day as the first race of the season, sponsored by the Dinghy Club, so our group will have the option to be spectators that day, and they should plan dinner that night on their own.  

 

Wednesday May 28:  Mid morning to mid afternoon: Visit to Trunk Island.  Transportation options will be posted on the App chat groups 

 

Wednesday May 28:  Gathering at St. George's Marina (BYS), Mark Soares.  

Thursday May 29: This is the likely day for duty free fuel truck in St. George's. Time TBD.

 

Thursday May 29: Gathering at St. Georges Dinghy Club:  

 

4pm-5pm Goslings Rum Tasting (& Duty Free purchasing)
5:30pm Happy Hour with finger food apps (which will remain available until depleted)
6:30pm Gombey Performance (this lasts about 20 mins)    If you have not prepaid through the website, please request inclusion via the App chat group, and pay Bob Osborn at the door.  (Event fee is $12/pp for the cost of the apps, and drinks paid for at the bar--  Dinner is on your

 

Azores bound boats depart end of May/June1.  Stay tuned for Bermuda Farewell dinner before departure.

 

Bermuda Rally Boats should plan a return to the US by mid-July before the Tropics become very active in August.

David Lyman is a prolific writer for various marine publications and has put together a nice video summary of arriving in Bermuda.  The beginning of the piece is about departing from Newport or other spots and why you might want to stop in Bermuda. For our purposes, the parts about arriving, paperwork needed and what sorts of service that are available are of particular interest. 

The Rally includes weather routing by The Marine Weather Center and coordination and support during the offshore passage.  Once accepted to the rally and rally fees have been paid, you will be receiving rally specific information and access to the rally participant page.  Please review the Passage Discussion section, which contains information about the conditions likely to be encountered.

Don't forget to stay in touch with fellow Salty Dawgs on the new SDSA mobile App. Details Here.

The SDSA unites experienced ocean sailors with developing cruisers to broaden their blue water horizons.  All Salty Dawg rallies and events are led by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their dreams.


SALTY DAWG RALLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

  • Rally Manager: this position acts as the Rally Director's assistant.  The Rally Manager does the detailed organizing and planning for the rally.  Sharing with the Rally Director, hosts some of the Captains Calls. Participation in the rally itself is not necessary.  This position is flexible to accommodate your time for availability.
  • Fleet Captain: this position takes over in the departure location with help from the Port Captains.  The Fleet Captain and Port Captain share in welcoming activities and any events.  After departure from any port, keeps the fleet organized.
  • Port Captains: this position takes the plans made in cooperation with the Rally Manager and implements them at each Port. The Port Captains and the Fleet Captain share in welcoming activities and planned events.
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Helpful Links

Sailing with Kids
Sailing with Pets