FROM THE HELM

By Mike Benjamin, SV Exodus, President SDSA

RISKS AND REWARDS

In light of the recent crime reports in Sint Maarten, I have been reflecting about all the risks and anxieties we face on a daily basis as cruisers and ask - why exactly do we engage in this lifestyle?  My wife and I are going on 8 years!

As most of you know, there have been numerous break-ins on boats, mostly anchored in the Dutch Lagoon of Sint Maarten.  Authorities have mobilized and will hopefully get things under control soon, but security concerns are not unique to Sint Maarten.  In Maine, I wouldn’t think of chaining my Dinghy or locking myself in at night, but as we head south, we will be using our 3/8” stainless steel chain to lock our dinghy to every dock (yes, definitely overkill) and, even in some locations, to our davits at night.  We will be locking the companionway from the inside and installing a motion sensor. Yikes!  Never used to do that.  But is it really any more security or common sense than you might employ living in a big city?

BREAKING NEWS!!

Azores Rally

Starts from Hampton, VA and St. Maarten for Bermuda:  May 18, 2025
Start from Bermuda for Horta: June 1, 2025 (weather permitting)

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure across the North Atlantic! Join us for an exhilarating rally to Horta on the island of Faial in the Azores, departing from Bermuda on June 1, 2025. Whether you're sailing from the US East Coast (Hampton, VA) or the Caribbean (St Maarten), our feeder rallies promise an exciting start to this epic journey. Is exploring the Med on your boat for a season or two on your bucket list? Benefit from the expertise of our seasoned members and organizers who have been there.

Learn More

FREE WEBINAR:  The Azores:  A wonderful Cruising Destination

January 9, 5pm.  Free, and open to all!

Presented by Bob Osborn  

Register here

And click here for more information on our Winter Webinar series

BVI Rendezvous

March 3 - 12, 2025

Nanny Cay wants to win you back and is pulling out all the stops to bring you to the BVI including on-site custom clearance in/out, discounted slips and moorings, and specially priced hotel rooms.  Nanny Cay will host a Welcome Party and a Farewell Dinner Event.  The rendezvous includes a cruise to Virgin Gorda  Sound and The Bitter End for a Beach Day extravaganza.  

Learn more

P.A.Y.S Salty Dawg Rendezvous, Portsmouth, Dominica

February 13 - 20, 2025

Combine exploration of the natural beauty of the island with volunteer efforts to an island project. Usually each night brings social gatherings, cookouts, pot-lucks and other creative evening gatherings on the beach. Get ready for lots of fun! Invite your cruising friends and join us for all or part of the week. 

Learn more 

LESSONS LEARNED FROM A STUCK MAINSAIL

Written by Phillip Gillihan, SV Parallax

As W. C. Fields once said “I have told that story so often I have come to believe it myself”.

My story is about having to sail the last 4 days or so of the Caribbean rally with the mainsail stuck well and truly up in winds somewhat above average, in my 49 foot catamaran, Parallax.

Mainsail got stuck, winds came up, worried mainsail might rip, rig fail,  or most terrifying of horrors: I might have to actually drive the beast if the overworked auto pilot went on strike. So I thought it might be more fun to sort of unpack how Robby (that's admiral Robby to me), and I found ourselves in the middle of nowhere with a full and unrelentingly erect mainsail. 

GROWTH OR NORMALIZATION?  SMART OR SLOPPY?

Written by Doug Weibel, Frolic

While catching up on back issues of magazines, I noticed an intriguing contrast between the sailing and aviation communities. Differences often reveal new perspectives, helping me apply knowledge from one field to another. In particular, one aspect of the way these communities approach safety caught my attention.

In sailing, we frequently debate what is considered safe. In contrast, the aviation community—despite some disagreements over the best equipment or procedures—tends to have more consensus on safety standards and emphasizes training and awareness as crucial elements of safety. One recurring safety concept in aviation, little discussed in sailing, is the “Normalization of Deviance.”

The term "Normalization of Deviance" was coined by sociologist Diane Vaughan during her analysis of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. It describes a gradual process where deviations from standard practices become normalized within an organization, including smaller groups like your sailing crew. Over time, what begins as a one-time exception can subtly evolve into routine behavior, no longer raising red flags, even when it should. This creeping complacency can be dangerous, as actions that once would have been considered unsafe are gradually accepted as the norm.

THIS MONTH IN PICTURES

Christmas by the Water

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:  LEE AND ANN FAIRCHILD 

Boat name and type:  We may be sailors, but we don’t own a boat.  As well as sailing for Salty Dawg in both the Caribbean and Homeward Bound rallies the past three years, Lee regularly races on Chesapeake Bay through Hampton Yacht Club.  There are always captains looking for crew.  Ann is much more a fair weather sailor.

 Home port:  We live in Poquoson, Virginia, a small town in the Hampton, Virginia, area.

 Where are you now?:  We are home for the moment, but we like to spend our time traveling.  

 Years volunteering for the Dawgs:  We’ve been with the Salty Dawgs for three years.

THE SALTY DAWGS APP

The new members-only app is available on both iPhone and Android platforms. (Non-member rally crew may access the app for a limited time before, during and after each rally.  SDSA membership is required for continued access.) The app combines many SDSA membership benefits in one easy-to-access program that includes the following:  

• Messaging your fellow Dawgs (similar to WhatsApp),
• Posting information and photos (similar to Facebook),
• Membership directory, 
• Member and rally tracking maps and
• Library of Zoom education recordings

READ MORE

Demystifying Offwind Cruising Sails

Karen Soule spoke with Jerry Latell of Evolution Sails

We need to de-mystify using off wind cruising sails, says Evolution Sailmakers founder Jerry Latell.  Sailors keep asking for sophisticated polar diagrams for these sails, but they really aren’t necessary nor the sails that complicated.  Racing sailors carry a quiver of spinnakers and code sails optimized for very specific wind speeds and angles.  Cruising spinnakers and code sails are typically designed to be used across as wide a range as possible.  So the thinking when using a cruising off wind sail is very different.  Our goal is to make things a bit easier to understand.

But first a little history. The first code sail, called a “code zero”, debuted during the 1997- 98 Whitbread Race and described an asymmetrical spinnaker that could sail upwind angles. Racing rules limited their design applications and even after a quarter century their design is tortured to meet the racing rules.  Cruising sailors live outside the racing rules so cruising code sails, unchained from these antiquated rules, are much better sails than their racing cousins.

Meet the Salty Dawg Sponsors

Learn about the discounts and promotions offered ONLY to SDSA Members

Vital to the Salty Dawg Sailing Association mission is our dedication to bringing events to the offshore sailing community that are offered at the lowest possible entry fee with the greatest possible value to participants. To achieve this goal consistently, we rely heavily on the contributions of our sponsors - some of the most respected companies in the marine industry.

The generosity of our sponsors is critical to our mission as a non-profit educational organization  … to help sailors realize their long distance cruising dreams.  

Our sponsors offer financial and in-kind support to the operation of our events, promotional programs for rally participants, and discounted products and/or services to our SDSA members.

In most cases, Members can take advantage of sponsor benefits simply by showing their SDSA membership card. However, a few sponsors ask for additional information. For complete access instructions, please visit the Members Only Section of our web site. Click here.

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS

	David Walters Yachts - Founded in 1982 as a New England yacht design company David Walters Yachts has grown to become the premier brokerage for quality blue water sail yachts.
	Marine Weather Center:  Chris Parker  - Custom Weather and Routing Information for Small Vessels in the Caribbean, Bahamas and US East Coast.
	Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau - Your source for information about Hampton VA; Guide to Hampton. Provides support for the SDSA fall rally.

 

 

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

	Blue Heron Battery - We are the SDSA Member source for advice on lithium battery upgrades.  We offer only the highest quality batteries, extensive testing and technical support from a US company.
	Dockwa is a digital platform designed to simplify the complexities of cruising. Dockwa makes it easy to discover and book new marinas, make and manage payments for dockage, fuel, and more, and securely store your boating information, with the ultimate goal of making boating more accessible and enjoyable.
	Grand Large Services - Founded in 2003, Grand Large Yachting now has six shipyards - Outremer, Allures, Garcia, RM, Gunboat and ORC - and two services companies. The group is the international leader in the blue water cruising market, and is renowned for producing reliable, seaworthy catamarans and monohulls.  Grand Large Yachting offers a variety of in-person blue water sailing seminars that support our mission is to enable everyone to realise their dream of a short or long sailing trip, while respecting the oceans and in complete safety.  We additionally organize both the World Odyssey and Nordic Odyssey rallies. Grand Large Services website : https://grandlargeservices.com/en/ Seminars : https://grandlargeservices.com/en/evenements/seminaires-grande-croisiere/
	GW Maritime Medical Access - When an accident or serious illness occurs at sea, expert medical help may be thousands of miles away. In operation since 1989, GW Maritime Medical Access (GWMMA) provides a vital service to render appropriate telemedical care to shipping vessels and yachts in remote locations worldwide. We provide on-call physician support, clinical case management, repatriation, training, and recommendations for medical equipment and medicine chests, all through one central 24/7 command center. GWMMA provides education and substantial discounts to our Salty Dawg  members and Rally participants.
	Hydrovane - Self-steering windvanes, solar panels, hydrogenerators, watermakers. Special pricing on purchase of a Hydrovane self-steering windvane system.
	Hylas Yachts, has been blending luxurious comfort, style and expert engineering for over 40 years. Globally acclaimed naval architects like Bill Dixon and German Frers have drawn the design lines and the Hylas shipyard in Taiwan has brought over 500 perfectly crafted yachts to life.   As cruisers continue to expand their horizons and the focus on lifestyle and comfort has become increasingly important, Hylas has kept pace with those requirements. Ease of handling with minimal crew, safety and a sea kindly motion have always been a priority. Hylas continues to enjoy an unblemished safety record.   The Hylas commitment to service and support is well recognized by new and used yacht buyers alike. Thank you to all our owners for their continued support of the Hylas brand.
	IGY Simpson Bay Marina is conveniently positioned just inside the Simpson Bay Bridge having magnificent, extremely secure, and private surroundings.  Their impressive facilities are designed to delight even the most discerning yachtsmen from around the globe. Simpson Bay is offering our members a discount off of dockage - you MUST have proof of membership.  IGY will also be our home for the 2025 Homeward Bound and Azores Rally.  Check out their Welcome Guide here and visit their website to book your reservations today!
	M Yachts - Rigging and spars, marine systems. fiberglass and hull painting
	OCENS - Making the trip offshore, whether it's your first time or 100th, can bring any number of new "experiences" and "concerns". Let OCENS help you to stay connected for both safety and comfort with reliable satellite communications. OCENS is a full service satellite communications provider. We can help you with a rental phone for just the trip or assist you with a full system to permanently compliment your vessels communications package.  We offer equipment ranging from Garmin inReach and Zoleo personal messaging devices to the full range of Iridium and Inmarsat equipment and services, as well as KVH/Starlink. Already have a satellite phone? - We can help you with airtime and data services to get the most of your current equipment as well. We also have developed a full suite of software services for making the best use of all of your mobile communications. From email solutions and text messaging across platforms and satellite devices to weather solutions - we can help.
	YaZu Yachting - We build relationships and sell boats - in that order.  YaZu Yachting is a local company with a large reach; based in Deltaville, a small town with more boats than people - known as the "boating capital of the Chesapeake." Having crossed an ocean and lived aboard for seven years, we understand the cruising lifestyle and specialize in cruising boats, both foreign and US registered. ‘Personal’ is what we do best.

 

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

	Bluewater Sailing Magazine - Leading All-digital Magazine. A year's subscription to Bluewater Sailing Magazine (one time only offer)
	Bitter End Yacht Club stands as an iconic and premier watersports destination, nestled in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. Rebuilt after Hurricane Irma, BEYC boasts a state-of-the-art marina and expansive mooring field, the resort offers an unparalleled experience with thrilling watersports, relaxing beaches, lively bars, exquisite dining, provisioning, and more—all set against the stunning backdrop of the North Sound. Enjoy a complete maritime retreat where you can eat, stay, and play in, on and around the water.
	The Boat Galley has been making boat life better since 2010 with their handy boat document organizer, logbook, cookbook and other references, not to mention their detailed articles and quick-tip podcasts. SDSA Members receive a 10% discount on all products.
	Calypso Sailing Life is a NauticEd sailing school providing learning charters in exotic locations. Join us on our Leopard 48 sailing catamaran to gain catamaran experience, practice key sailing skills, or earn NauticEd certifications. If you are planning to sail in the Mediterranean or in the Seychelles, you need a specific, government-approved license. We can help you earn the Sailing License and Credentials (SLC™) from NauticEd. SDSA members get 20% off any learning charter.
	Charter Rode automatically keeps your sailing resume up to date in a standardized format that’s easy to understand. Create logbook entires in less than 60 seconds and instantly share your complete sailing resume with a single link. Have the confidence that your logbook and sailing resume will never be hacked, deleted, or lost. SDSA members can get started with their first 25 logbook entries at no cost. $75 value.
	Doyle Guides produces the Eastern Caribbean's most comprehensive and up-to-date sailing guides, complete with nautical charts and navigational information, details on yacht services, restaurants, provisioning, shore-based attractions, and more. Our guides led the Caribbean sailing guide industry first with color sketch charts, then GPS waypoints, a website, and now, a free mobile app with premium and regularly updated subscription-based content. Doyle Guides is proud to offer Salty Dawg participants 25% off select app content subscriptions.
	Duration Health The Marine Med Kit from Duration Health. Prescribed online by marine medicine experts, the Duration Health Marine Med Kit delivers an array of treatments for health issues common in the marine environment, right in your vessel. It's like having a personal sea clinic on board, allowing you to address potential illnesses without having to interrupt your journey.
	Nothing performs like Evolution sails! Experience the thrill and astonishing performance of perfectly fitting sails made from the finest materials. Customised to deliver the ultimate balance of engineering, performance, and handling for your yacht Our sails are customised for the perfect fit because we have complete control of the design and manufacturing process. Each finished sail is perfectly fitted and customised to your yacht’s specification for the ultimate engineering, performance, and handling for your yacht.
	Fiorentino Para-Anchor - Sea Anchors and Drogues. Discounts on para-anchors and sea drogues to SDSA Members. Discounted shipping, too.
	Life Raft & Survival Equipment has been selling and servicing major brands of life rafts and marine safety equipment since 1983. LRSE, located in Tiverton, RI, offers expert advice to equip vessels with their equipment needs. Our factory-trained technicians are certified to service marine safety equipment and knowledgeable in the latest national, international, industry and manufacture's regulations.
	International Health Insurance Solution- International health and travel insurance are important to ensure you and your family have the emergency medical coverage you need in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury when traveling abroad. With international travel medical insurance, you can have the peace of mind that you are covered from having to deal with an unexpected medical expense in case a medical emergency were to happen.
	Jack Martin & Associates - Premier Brokers of Boat and Marine Insurance. Excellent combination of boat insurance pricing and coverage.
	Puerto Bahia Marina - a full service marina in Samana, Dominican Republic. A must stop if you are cruising any where near there! 15% discount on slips year round.

 

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

	Alexseal provides impressive resistance - layer by layer.  Alexseal provides an outstanding, robust and long-lasting finish starting with the first layer.  That is why Alexseal offers a large portfolio from protective primers, fillers, fairing compound, and surfacers to exterior and interior topcoats as well as a wide range of auxiliary products.
	AquaMarine - Maintain fresh safe drinking water on your boat with AquaTabs Marine!
	Datrex - Datrex is an American manufacturer and distributor of SAFTY MARINE PRODUCTS.   Products include Offshore Life rafts, Emergency Rations, Drinking Water, Deckbuoy® & Bridgebuoy® Liferings, Fishing Kits, and Life Jackets.  They additionally offer emergency flares and smokes and cold-water survival gear.  Datrex is also the US importer of Highfield Ribs.  SDSA Members receive their BOATSHOW discount on all products all year long.
	Landfall has been providing top quality equipment to boaters since 1982 and on the web since 1997. During that entire time, Landfall’s unwavering commitment to safety has remained constant. That commitment is reflected in the products we sell and the advice we give. Landfall is committed to meeting the needs of the marine community, including recreational boaters.
	SeaKits - Be prepared when the unexpected happens.  Sea Kits offers both the  Essential  Coastal Cruising and the Expedition Offshore  emergency damage control and  repair kits as well  as the TruPlug emergency  thru-hull and drain plug. They offer SDSA members a 15%  discount on Products.
	At ZOLEO, we're dedicated to revolutionizing the way people communicate and stay safe, no matter where they are in the world. As a joint venture between Beam Communications Pty. Ltd. and Roadpost Inc., we combine our expertise to offer affordable global messaging connectivity and a reliable safety system that you can always depend on - from the moment you venture beyond cellular coverage to your return.

 

MARINA SPONSORS

	Bitter End Yacht Club stands as an iconic and premier watersports destination, nestled in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. Rebuilt after Hurricane Irma, BEYC boasts a state-of-the-art marina and expansive mooring field, the resort offers an unparalleled experience with thrilling watersports, relaxing beaches, lively bars, exquisite dining, provisioning, and more—all set against the stunning backdrop of the North Sound. Enjoy a complete maritime retreat where you can eat, stay, and play in, on and around the water.
	Nanny Cay Marina Resort in the beautiful BVI is modern and naturally sheltered marina with berths for 320 yachts with fuel docks, restaurants, pool, laundry, state of the art showers, and chandlery. Nanny Cay offers SDSA members a 10% discount  on dockage rates November to June and 10% in the Chandlery.
	In 1991 Power Boats  Ltd. established the first yacht boatyard in Trinidad. We haul over 500 yachts every year with our maximum capacity being about 250 yachts on land in the high (hurricane) season. The owners and managers of our company are all experienced boating enthusiasts who understand the needs of both our local  community as well as our foreign yachting visitors. We give our customers the best possible service at the best possible price to store and repair their boats at our secure, customer friendly boatyard in Trinidad offering a discount for storage on land to SDSA members.
	Puerto Bahia Marina - a full service marina in Samana, Dominican Republic. A must stop if you are cruising any where near there! 15% discount on slips year round.
	Shelter Bay Marina - an option for Salty Dawgs who may wish to leave their boats south for the summer in a full service facility located in a hurricane free latitude.

 

MEMBER BENEFITS

Become an SDSA Member and gain access to the discounted products and/or services offered by our Contributing Sponsors below.  JOIN TODAY. 

As a member of the Salty Dawgs you can see details and access information for the many discounts offered by our SDSA Sponsors. Log in to Access Member Benefits. The list is ever-growing! Thanks to our sponsors.

FRIENDS OF THE SALTY DAWG SAILING ASSOCIATION

Offering discounts on products and services to our members

A & F Sails and Canvas,  Aqua Maps, CitiMarine, ClampTite, DAN Boater & DAN Travel Insurance, Direct2Water, Enterprise Rent a Car,  Explorer Charts, Kinetic Sailing, Maritime  Medical Guides, Medjet, My Medic, US Sailing Safety At Sea, Port Jefferson Yacht Club, Vessel Vanguard, Winslow Raft