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June 2026 Newsletter 83
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READY ENOUGH TO GO?
By Mike Benjamin, SV Exodus, President SDSA
By the time you read this, Ronna and I will either be on our way from Bermuda to the Azores, waiting for a weather window, or repairing the next system aboard Exodus that has chosen this precise moment to act up and demand attention like a selfish child. Exodus, like most boats, has a really poor sense of timing, but I love her unconditionally.
Offshore passages are often described in grand and romantic terms: endless horizons, starry nights, self-reliance and adventure. The quiet satisfaction of crossing an ocean under sail. All true, of course.
What gets less attention is the anxiety-producing period before departure when the boat, the weather, your own body and mind, and the universe seem to gather in in unison and ask, “Are you really sure you are ready; how do you feel about another obstacle?”
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2026 DOWNEAST RALLY
Departing from Hampton July 11
Departing from Newport July 20
Whether the SDSA Downeast Rally is part of your preparation for longer offshore passages, a great summer get-away, or an opportunity to extend your coastal cruising experience with new friends, you’ll love the experiences, smells, and sights the Downeast Rally provides. New England is known for fresh seafood, rugged shorelines, and quaint, historic towns.
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2026 CARIBBEAN RALLY
Departs from Hampton, VA November 1 and from Newport RI October 30, weather permitting
 The largest rally leaving the US East Coast each fall is the Caribbean Rally hosted by the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, the fleet departs from either 1) Hampton VA or 2) Newport RI, to head offshore to points south.
It is not only the largest organized flotilla of cruisers leaving the US East Coast for the Caribbean—but the most fun. The Caribbean Rally helps sailors arrive safely in the Caribbean and opens the door to new lifelong friends and experiences while cruising.
Where will you head this fall? The Caribbean Rally provides you a choice of destinations and routes. While the bulk of the fleet heads to Antigua, some choose to make landfall in the Abacos in the Bahamas, and although most of the Antigua fleet sails directly to their final destination, some choose to make a brief stopover in Bermuda.
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THINKING OF JOINING A RALLY? CATCH A WEBINAR!
A Look at the 2026 Downeast and Maritime Rallies: Watch a recording here
Caribbean Rally: Register here for a FREE webinar on June 22 at 5pm
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GET CREATIVE!
Seeking a new editor for the Salty Dawgs Newsletter!
Due to long term cruising plans, I will need to step away as newsletter editor by the end of 2026, and am seeking a replacement to publish Dawg Tales each month.
This is a great role for someone who is curious, creative, likes to keep in touch with Salty Dawgs whether or not you are currently cruising, and has reasonable organizational skills. It's a fun way to give back to SDSA.
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EXUMAS RENDEZVOUS, 2026
Written by Tracy Oliver, GypSea
A fleet of Salty Dawgs gathered in April and were reminded why so many cruisers spend season after season in the stunning waters of the Exumas. Astronauts report that the Bahamas bank is the most eye-catching feature on the entire Earth. Well, they should see it up close!
Our eclectic group included experienced Bahamas cruisers, those new to its waters, the young and the more “seasoned” and a few furry crew members as well, all sailing on a mix of both monohulls and cats. No worries, because the Exumas has so much to offer to everyone, making deciding on an itinerary both difficult and a breeze. Few destinations are as conducive to a rendezvous as the Exumas, where, with only a short hop, each day brings a new wondrous experience.
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WHAT'S ON YOUR READING LIST?
 For many of us, one of the joys of cruising is to curl up in the cockpit, in a beautiful anchorage, with a really good book. Salty Dawg sailors shared what they read this season:
The Correspondent - Virginia Evans
The Rent Collector - Camron Wright
Heaven and Earth Grocery Store - James McBride
Code Name Helen - Ariel Lawhon
Frozen River - Ariel Lawhon
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MY FAVORITE ANCHORAGE: NORTH SOUND, ANTIGUA
Written by Bill Woodruff, SV Kalunamoo
 Sailing in the Lesser Antilles since 2013, there have been many places we dropped the hook for days or weeks. We only go into marinas if we need repairs or when flying off the island to visit family and friends. So the question asked - “what is my favorite anchorage” - leads to an open-ended discussion. In some ways the answer to the question is like asking “who is your best friend?”. We all have different best friends! Putting aside the many considerations of where to anchor, a favorite anchorage becomes a very personal choice.
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MEET THE DAWGS: Lena and John Scaramuzzo, Two Captains
 Boat Type and Length: Hallberg-Rassy 48 MK11
Any particular story behind the name? We are the only Two Captains in the world, or at least on Marine Traffic. It perhaps highlights our own slightly subversive humor. We don't take ourselves too seriously, and despite knowing full well the accepted convention that a boat should have only one captain, like our name, our unconventional approach to decision-making can at times lead one to feel like we indeed have Two Captains. When the boat name was first suggested, there was no need for discussion. The decision was immediate and unanimous! The name is great until something goes wrong, and then we just have to live with our blunder and a possible scoffing outside observer.
Home Port: Wickford, Rhode Island. We live in California, but John grew up in New England and lived there much of his life. He loved his days sailing around the cape and islands on his Beneteau 361. We knew we wanted to be in the Newport, RI area, and had aspirations of making our way down to the Caribbean. Our top choice was Wickford, and when a slip became available, we jumped on the opportunity.
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THIS MONTH IN PICTURES
DAWGS IN BERMUDA, PREPARING FOR THE AZORES RALLY
 
 
  
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