SDSA DelMarVa Rally
(Delaware, Maryland, Virginia Peninsula)
June 1 departure (weather permitting)

Cruise with fellow Salty Dawgs and experience overnight offshore sailing in the Atlantic by cruising the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (DelMarVa) peninsula. The Salty Dawg DelMarVa Rally is the perfect opportunity to gain experience sailing overnight in the ocean, in the company of other Salty Dawg boats, and with experienced shoreside staff support. During the rally, you will get to visit new ports, and learn to plan for the currents and tides of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River, and Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (C&D Canal). This experience can be used as a stepping stone to our longer offshore rallies, such as the Bermuda Rally, the Caribbean Rally, or the East Coast Rally.

Sail 450 nautical miles from Hampton, VA, counter-clockwise around the DelMarVa Peninsula over the course of a week. The rally is divided into three legs, each with its own distinct pleasures and challenges. Enjoy stopovers to relax, explore, and meet new friends. This a nearshore/offshore passage usually in the company of a fleet of 20 to 30 boats. It’s a great way to meet and enjoy the experience with other sailors.

This rally provides Captains with Atlantic sailing, entering the Delaware Bay and planning for the currents and tides of the Bay entrance, motoring through the C&D Canal, planning the best time to transit the canal considering current, and finally enjoying Annapolis.

Boats and Captains meet up at the end of May in Hampton, VA for pre-passage seminars and activities. After boat preparations are complete, we will head offshore (weather permitting) on June 1, for the first leg of our journey, the 150-mile blue water overnight passage in the Lewes, Delaware. Arriving a day after departure, we will have two nights in Delaware to explore this seaside destination.

Departure from Lewes starts leg 2 and takes us back into the Atlantic for our route up the Delaware Bay. Careful planning is required to sail into the Delaware Bay from the Atlantic as each Captain must consider tides and currents. After sailing up the Delaware, we will be turning west and motoring through the C&D Canal to Chesapeake City, MD. That evening will be spent at Chesapeake City or across the canal or at Summit North Marina.

The C&D Canal is a 14-mile long, 450-foot wide and 35-foot deep ship canal that connects the Delaware River with the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake City is the site of the C&D Canal Museum and Bethel Bridge Lighthouse.

The next day, we begin leg 3 of the Rally and motor then sail from Chesapeake City to Annapolis and enjoy the sites and tastes of Annapolis for two nights. The rally will end in Annapolis as we celebrate the successful completion of the passage. These closing events will be fun for all, so plan to come to Annapolis for an exciting SDSA event. All Salty Dawgs are welcome and encouraged to participate.

The Rally includes weather routing by Chris Parker of The Marine Weather Center, position tracking by PredictWind, and an extensive level of coordination and support during the passage. Once accepted to the rally and rally fees have been paid, you will be receiving rally specific information and access to the rally participant page. Please review the Passage Discussion section, which contains information about the conditions likely to be encountered.

VHF capability is required, including both portable and fixed VHF radios. Offshore communications equipment are not required, but highly encouraged, especially if you have plans to participate in the Caribbean, or Homeward Bound Rally.

Don't forget to stay in touch with the Salty Dawgs on Facebook; “Salty Dawg Sailing and Friends”

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

2024 Delmarva Participants

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.