|
SCOTTY JOINS THE CREW
By Mike Benjamin, SV Exodus, President SDSA
Over the past year, something unexpected has changed the way I maintain my boat. It is not a new piece of hardware, another device, or a subscription service. It is not a system upgrade or a refit. It is artificial intelligence.
More specifically, it is my use of ChatGPT as a technical assistant while working through the inevitable mechanical and electrical challenges that come with owning and maintaining a modern cruising sailboat. I have even embraced my inner nerd and named it Scotty and insisted that it talk to me in a Scottish accent. After all, maintaining a sense of humor in the midst of cascading failures is important.
At first, I was skeptical and hesitant. Do I really need this? Is it going to help, or will it become another time-consuming distraction? AI is being characterized simultaneously as an amazing transformative tool and a troubling technology. We hear about automation, disruption, and job replacement. Popular culture has not exactly been reassuring. Think, Terminator and Matrix. Setting aside the larger issue about whether AI will ultimately save civilization or accelerate its decline, my experience has been far more focused, practical, and personal.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
2026 EXUMAS RENDEZVOUS
April 22 - 26, 2026
Registration now open!!
The Exuma Rendezvous is the grand finale of the 2026 Caribbean season and a favorite for good reason. Centered around Staniel Cay, this event combines stunning anchorages, world-class snorkeling, and daily beach gatherings with just the right amount of structure. Highlights include Thunderball Grotto, Big Major Cay’s famous pigs, Rachel’s Bubble Bath, and a memorable final night in Warderick Wells, complete with a potluck and a hike to Boo Boo Hill. With beach parties, dinghy races, prizes, and plenty of time to explore, the Exumas deliver pure cruising joy in a spectacular setting.
Learn More
|
|
HOMEWARD BOUND RALLY
May 14, 2026
Registration now open!!
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 official destination is Hampton, Virginia, but boats will sail directly to various ports on the US East Coast and Canada.
|
|
2026 AZORES RALLY
Departing from Bermuda June 1, 2026
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, 2026. 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.
The SDSA Azores Rally will be limited to 25 boats. Secure your place in this extraordinary event and discover the magic of the Azores with us!
Learn More
|
|
SALTY DAWG 2026 WINTER WEBINAR SERIES NOW AVAILABLE!
SALTY DAWG WINTER 2026 WEBINAR SERIES NOW AVAILABLE!
ICYMI - Recordings of webinars are available free to members. Check them out here.
Thinking of joining a rendezvous? See a recording of our January 7 webinar about the 2026 Dominica, BVI and Exumas rendezvous here.
Coming up:
Monday March 16: Blue Water Cruising Boat Sail Inventory, by Jerry Latell - Evolution Sails
Monday March 23: Diving from your Boat with your own Gear - Scuba and Hooka options, by Jean-Marc Claes, Dive Master
View the complete list of offerings here. |
|
2026 DOMINICA RENDEZVOUS
Written by Katie Bloxham, SV Persephone
 The first week of February saw a record turnout of Salty Dawgs for our annual Dominica Rendezvous. 34 boats arrived in Portsmouth to enjoy fun activities, the company of fellow DAWGS and the traditional PAYS hospitality.
The first day featured a walking tour of Portsmouth led by Ken Guthrie, a snorkeling trip through lovely Toucari Bay and a welcome dinner at Sea Bird Grill. The DJ pumped up the music and the dancing began! Energy and enthusiasm were high and remained so all week!
|
|
Read more...
|
|
A VISIT TO THE ROTARY CLUB IN PORTSMOUTH
Written by Bruce Grant, SV Cygnus
While working on our Salty Dawg Service Day and visiting the Portsmouth, Dominica Home of the Aged, Bruce Grant discovered that Rotary Club of Portsmouth was very active in the community. As a 30-year Rotary member, Bruce attended the local club's dinner meeting the next night to learn more about their community projects. Bruce attended with Chris Eggert of SV Destiny (not in the photo – he was the photographer).
|
|
Read more...
|
|
MY FAVORITE ANCHORAGE: GEORGIAN BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA
Written by Rachel Lewis, SV Aspen 1
 The Magic of Georgian Bay.
The summers are amazing, but it is the late summer that holds the magic. When the cool, morning air brings a wraith-like mist that wanders across the dark waters of a secluded lagoon. A Loon calls – you hold your breath to hear the reply – and you are captivated by the calm, the solitude …a quiet beauty that is not to be rushed.
Savouring a morning coffee, surrounded by granite shores, green forests and gentle lapping waters, we breathe out.
A beaver might swim by as your boat gently swings in one of the many "holes" to be found in the maze of the thirty thousand islands of the eastern shores of Georgian Bay.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
THIS MONTH IN PICTURES
Dominica Rendezvous
 
 
  
 
|
|
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: BETH VANDEGEIJN
 Boat Name and Type: Last, Passport 515
Home Port: North Annapolis, Maryland
Where are you now? Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
Years Volunteering for the Dawgs: 8+
How do you volunteer? This past year, we sailed up from Trinidad to meet the Dawgs on their run down from the Chesapeake. We've made the run ourselves numerous times and I know how tough it can be.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
