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January 2025 Newsletter 66
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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 |
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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.
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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.
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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
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