FROM THE HELM

By Mike Benjamin, SV Exodus, President SDSA

WHAT'S NEW WITH THE DAWGS?

I am pleased to report that our membership continues to grow, as we add new members and fewer existing members allow their membership to lapse.  This is exciting news as work continues to make Salty Dawg membership a valuable year-round resource.  We are rapidly making the transition from being known solely as a rally organizer to an association that provides education, communication, assistance and fellowship throughout the year.

This past summer, both the Downeast and Maritime rallies were huge successes.   The camaraderie among participants, as evidenced by the ongoing group chats on the App, was extremely strong and the weather was fantastic.  However, a few participants learned the hard way about lobster pots in Maine.  Our first-ever Azores Rally was also very successful with all vessels arriving safely.  We will run it again next year, departing Bermuda on June 1, 2026.  Successful rallies and promoting lifelong friendships are at the core of what the Dawgs are all about and these rallies continued the tradition admirably.

I would also like to announce several new benefits, improvements and enhancements coming this year.

BREAKING NEWS, AUGUST 2025

THINKING OF HEADING SOUTH THIS WINTER?

Consider the Salty Dawgs 2025 Caribbean Rally

If you are thinking about heading south in your own boat this winter, or building experience as you work towards a long term dream, there are many ways to get involved and learn more.

Read about the rally and register here.  

Many captains are looking for crew for the rally.  Sign up here  and gain valuable experience.  

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2025 ANNAPOLIS RENDEZVOUS

JANUARY JUMP TO THE BAHAMAS, 2025

Learn More

VOLUNTEER TO JOIN A SALTY DAWGS WORKING GROUP

SALTY DAWGS MARITIME RALLY 2025

Written by Robin Worley, Althea; Nicole Monsees, Highlander;  Stephanie Diliberto, Liberty

The fleet consisting of Illusion (Island Packet 45), Liberty (Valiant 42), Il Songo  (Oyster 56), Highlander (Tartan 37), Althea (Tartan 3800), Salome (C&C  35), No Worries (Island Packet 45) and Jenny T (Valiant 37) departed Rockland ME early on July 18^th for the overnight passage to Shelburne NS.   Unfortunately, due to wind forecast, Salome had to make the decision to abort the crossing and decided to head to Swan’s Island, ME- leaving 7 boats in the group.  

The remaining 7 arrived in Shelburne NS by early evening on July 19^th after a pleasant crossing.  Unbeknownst to us we had arrived in Shelburne just in time for their annual town celebration and those in the anchorage had front row seats to a lighted boat parade and fireworks display. 

CRUISING IN IRELAND

Written by Louis Del Guercio, Dolce

My wife Carolyn and I were half way through the final leg of our first transatlantic crossing when we had to make a decision: where to make landfall.  We had been thinking about the Isles of Scilly, in the southeast of England, more for their whimsical name than anything else.  But our Salty Dawg friend Tim Zimmermann was lobbying for us to come further north to the southeast coast of Ireland, where had he inherited a house in the town of Glendore.  Tim promised that if we came he’d buy us a pint (of beer, we assumed).  How could we resist?

MY FAVORITE HARBOR:  ROQUE ISLAND, MAINE

Written by Katie Bloxham, Persephone

We have cruised in Maine for ten consecutive summers, and almost every year we have vowed to reach Roque Island.  That this year was only the second time we were successful says a lot about that challenges of getting there;  however it was well worth the effort!

Typically a trip to Roque Island begins in Mount Desert Island.  From there it is roughly a 40 mile sail east, keeping a close eye on the charts and for lobster pots.  The coastline is low, rocky and not particularly well marked.  Coming through a pass between fairly typical Maine islets (pine trees, rocks, seals), you suddenly find yourself in a stunning bay, with a long white sand beach surrounded by pine woods, meadows and an archipelago of small islands.  If the temperature was only 20 degrees warmer you could imagine yourself to be in the Virgin Islands!

A GUIDEBOOK AUTHOR'S FAVORITE BEACH BARS

Written by Lexi Fisher, Doyle Guides

Few things attract a crowd of yachtspeople as reliably as a good beach bar.  While doing research for the cruising guides I write through Doyle Guides, beach bars are often the place I end up for a cold drink and a break from the hot sun.  They are everywhere, and more often than not are great sources of information; the bartenders are usually locals who are knowledgeable about the area, and the yachtspeople gathered there are all too happy to chat about their experiences and lend their opinions.  When I’m having trouble tracking down a business that may have moved, a service provider whose phone number is out of service, or need to know what the deal with that new marina is, a good beach bar often holds the answers. 

DAWGS IN MAINE

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:  ROBIN WORLEY AND TOM BARNARD, ALTHEA

Boat Name and Type: Althea, Tartan 3800

Home Port:  Branford, CT now.  It was NYC until 2 years ago

Where are you now?  Currently in Smith Cove, Castine (as of August 22) enjoying Maine and slowly making our way home after the Maritime Rally

How long have you been a volunteer for the Salty Dawgs? This is our first year!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:  STEPHANIE AND MIKE DILIBERTO, LIBERTY

Boat Name and Type: Liberty, Valiant 42

Home Port:  Nyack, NY and Sarasota, FL (Transom says Barrington, RI)

Where are you now?  On our way back to Block Island

How long have you been a volunteer for the Salty Dawgs? We are Newbies!  Our first time volunteering!