Search
Member Login

Homeward Bound Rally

May 14, 2026 Homeward Bound rally departure from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas (weather permitting)

Registration -now open
Fees & What's Included
Passage Discussion
Required Equipment
Crew Finder
Rally FAQs
Volunteer to Help

The Homeward Bound Rally from the Caribbean is a northbound offshore passage primarily for those returning to the US East Coast.

Departure is planned for May 14, 2026 (weather permitting) from either Marsh Harbor, Bahamas or Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten to Hampton, VA (or your first continental U.S. landfall), with an optional three-day stop in Bermuda for those departing from Sint Maarten. If you are considering a Bermuda stop, please read more here.

The official rally destination is Hampton, Virginia, although boats may make landfall at other ports along the U.S. East Coast or Canada. However, please note that rally support ends upon your first landfall.  If you choose to proceed north via the coastal route we encourage you to arrange for personal weather forecasting and routing.  

  • The Rally includes weather routing by Chris Parker/The Marine Weather Center, a position tracking map, and an extensive level of coordination and support from our Shoreside Team during the offshore passage.  Participants also stay connected using our new SDSA App.  All boats will also have round the clock, comprehensive “concierge” style 24/7 emergency medical support from GW Maritime Medical Service, a division of the George Washington University Medical Faculty. Provided with this service, skippers will have the opportunity to work directly with GWMMS in advance of departure to prepare a comprehensive pharmaceutical and emergency aid kit to ensure that you are prepared to deal with many emergencies while underway.

  • If you depart from St Maarten and choose to stop in Bermuda, planned activities include a private tour of Bermuda Radio headquarters, Happy hour(s) at the Dinghy Club, and an optional dinner nite out with fellow rally participants.   

  • As a Homeward Bound participant you will also receive a waiver of the Transit Permit needed for entry, as well as access to an exclusive duty free fuel-up session while in St. George's.  

  • Note also that this spring the stopover coincides with a very lively May 22 "Bermuda Day" National Holiday.   

  • The Azores Rally will be congregating in late May for their June 1 departure.  So, if you choose to stay longer than three days you are welcome to join in their festivities.  Please remember that if you remain in Bermuda, Bermuda becomes your final Rally destination and Homeward Bound Rally support will officially end with your longer stay.  (For more information, read here for discussion of continued rally support if you are considering planning an optional Bermuda stop during your passage home.)  

Once you are accepted to the rally and your rally fees have been paid, you will be receiving access to the rally Welcome Page which contains all rally specific information, updated in real-time.  As with all Salty Dawg rallies, the stated departure date is a goal, but the actual date the fleet leaves port is weather dependent. 

VHF radio and offshore communications equipment are required for participation. Please review the updated equipment requirements here. A limited number of Zoleo trackers will be available for rental. See this article for more details.

Impromptu arrival gatherings will be planned in Hampton, VA if enough boats make landfall there at the same time. The primary marina in Hampton is The Docks at Downtown Hampton.  

Don't forget to stay in touch with the Salty Dawgs on new SDSA mobile App, details here.

All Salty Dawg rallies and events are led by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their dreams.  The SDSA unites experienced ocean sailors with developing cruisers to broaden their blue water horizons. 

 

SALTY DAWG RALLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you would like to join us as a volunteer, we would love to benefit from your passion, personality, and expertise as we plan future events. Click here to volunteer.

  • Fleet Captain: this position takes over in the departure location with help from the Port Captains.  The Fleet Captain and Port Captain share in welcoming activities and any events.  After departure from any port, keeps the fleet organized.
  • Port Captains: this position takes the plans made in cooperation with the Rally Manager and implements them at each Port. The Port Captains and the Fleet Captain share in welcoming activities and planned events.
.

Helpful Links

Sailing with Kids
Sailing with Pets