Homeward Bound RallyMay 14, 2026 Homeward Bound rally departure from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas (weather permitting)
The rally to the US this May will have departures from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas in May for points north. The Rally includes weather routing by Chris Parker/The Marine Weather Center, a position tracking map, and an extensive level of coordination and support from our Shoreside Team during the offshore passage. Participants also stay connected using our new SDSA App. All boats will also have round the clock, comprehensive “concierge” style 24/7 emergency medical support from GW Maritime Medical Service, a division of the George Washington University Medical Faculty. Provided with this service, skippers will have the opportunity to work directly with GWMMS in advance of departure to prepare a comprehensive pharmaceutical and emergency aid kit to ensure that you are prepared to deal with many emergencies while underway. Homeward Bound Rally participants are also encouraged to consider participating in a Spring Bermuda Stopover, to take place May 20-22. Highlights in Bermuda will include a private tour of Bermuda Radio headquarters, Happy hour(s) at the Dinghy Club, and an optional dinner nite out with fellow rally participants. As a Homeward Bound participant you will also receive a waiver of the Transit Permit needed for entry, as well as access to an exclusive duty free fuel-up session while in St. George's. Note also that this spring the stopover coincides with a very lively May 22 "Bermuda Day" National Holiday. Of course Bermuda has a lot more to see and do, and the Azores Rally will be congregating in May for their June 1 departure, so you can consider a stay longer than three days in the company of fellow Dawgs. But please remember that in that case Bermuda becomes your final Rally destination and Homeward Bound Rally support will officially end with your longer stay in Bermuda. (For more information, read here for discussion of continued rally support if you are considering planning an optional Bermuda stop during your passage home.) Once you are accepted to the rally and your rally fees have been paid, you will be receiving access to the rally Welcome Page which contains all rally specific information, updated in real-time. As with all Salty Dawg rallies, the stated departure date is a goal, but the actual date the fleet leaves port is weather dependent. VHF radio and offshore communications equipment are required for participation. Please review the updated equipment requirements here. A limited number of Zoleo trackers will be available for rental. See this article for more details.
Impromptu arrival gatherings will be planned in Hampton, VA if enough boats make landfall there at the same time. The primary marina in Hampton is The Docks at Downtown Hampton. Don't forget to stay in touch with the Salty Dawgs on new SDSA mobile App, details here.
All Salty Dawg rallies and events are led by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their dreams. The SDSA unites experienced ocean sailors with developing cruisers to broaden their blue water horizons.
SALTY DAWG RALLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESIf 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.
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