FROM THE HELM By Mike Benjamin, SV Exodus, President SDSA 2024 CARIBBEAN RALLY - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The 2024 Caribbean Rally is now in the logbooks. I would like to personally congratulate all captains and crew for their big accomplishment. So, now is the time to reflect on what went right, what went wrong and what we can do to improve for next year and for all future rallies. First and foremost, all captains and crew arrived in good health. Even the boats who unfortunately had to withdraw, made it safely to port or to their eventual destinations. For the first time, this Rally included 24/7 access to an emergency room physician through GW Medical and, if needed, remote or in person follow up care for all Rally participants. Thanks to Alex Helfand (SV Compass Rose) for coordinating this benefit. It was reported to me that GW Medical fielded only three calls for minor issues that were quickly resolved. Safety is our number one concern, and in that regard this year was a complete success. For those starting out in Hampton, VA the planned events were terrific. From educational seminars to weather briefings to social events, each was well attended and enjoyable. Many thanks to Kathy Kubic (SV Island Time) and her teams of volunteers who made that all possible. Newport RI was also an official starting point, presenting somewhat more challenging conditions for the boats who departed from there, most of which stopped in Bermuda. I’m told that they shared a terrific meal at Benjamin’s Restaurant and Raw Bar (no relation). The majority of the fleet left within a few days of each other, following Chris Parker’s recommendations. Others chose their own departure dates, some of which turned out well and some.…less well. However, as with all our rallies, each Captain was encouraged to make their own decisions about departing and the Salty Dawgs supported those choices. So long as departure was within two weather windows, all Rally services were available. Out of 104 boats registered for the Rally, 95 arrived at their intended destinations. Withdrawals were mostly for mechanical reasons. For the first time, a majority of both the Bahamas bound group and the Caribbean bound group diverted to avoid adverse weather, with the Bahamas group stopping in Beaufort, NC and the Caribbean group stopping in Bermuda. For both groups, the stopovers were positive, bonding experiences. As one of the boats that spent several days in Bermuda, I must say it was an absolute delight. Thanks to Bennett Kashdan (SV Pratique) for planning and paving the way. Arrival, even after dark, through Town Cut to the large open anchorage in St George’s Harbor was incident free and Bermuda customs and immigration were friendly and courteous. The town of St George was charming, and the local fried fish sandwich was superb. Most notably, the fleet refueled from a duty-free fuel truck, in an orderly process that brought out the best in us. Tasha Sims (SV Deja Blue) organized the volunteer line handlers and dozens of Dawgs pitched in to help every boat fuel successfully. Truly, Sailors helping Sailors. The Bahamas bound boats initially anchored at Cape Lookout then stopped for four nights in Beaufort where they gathered daily for Happy Hours. They toured, reprovisioned and really got to know each other. Passage experiences ran the spectrum. There were motoring days, there were perfect 15-20 knot broad-reach days, close hauled days and sequential squall days (and sleepless nights)! In the end, I have no doubt that all will agree that their arrival was a welcome relief. The Shoreside teams, led by Tim Metcalf did their usual amazing job of tracking the fleet and providing guidance and assistance when necessary. They kept up their vigil 24/7 until the last boat arrived to assure a safe passage for all. Upon arrival in Marsh Harbor, the Bahamas boats enjoyed a reception at the Conch Inn and later an arrival dinner at the Jib Room, where I am told that after much refreshment, they led a conga line throughout the establishment! Clearly, they bonded as a group and will continue to cruise together throughout the islands. Thanks to Mark Buckley (SV Irish Rover) who did an amazing job of leading this group. In Antigua, Bob Osborn (SV Pandora) and Lynn Hoenke (SV Roxy) organized a jam-filled week or three of arrival events. They were fun, relaxing and created strong bonds among the fleet. All of our key Antigua connections, including Nelson’s Dockyard, the Admirals Inn, Antigua Yacht Club, North Sails, A & F Sails and the Minister of Tourism (who was our guest at the official arrival dinner at the Admirals Inn) did their best to accommodate us. So, what can we improve? Certainly, we need to resolve the Hampton dock space limitation. We also still need to work on getting 100% compliance with our shoreside tracking requirements. Our Mobile App is good, but it can and will improve with future releases. In my opinion, we can also do a better job of promoting Bermuda as a stopover. We also need more volunteers to help with all aspects of the Caribbean Rally and future rallies. All told, I was very pleased with the 2024 Caribbean Rally. I met so many great new people and watched as lasting friendships were made among our members. I was particularly satisfied to see first timers learn from the veterans and gain valuable offshore experience for themselves. I heard from so many that the assistance they received from the more experienced sailors and from the organization as a whole really made their offshore dreams possible. That is the most rewarding comment I could possibly hear, and what makes being President of this organization so worthwhile.
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