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Homeward Bound Rally

May 10, 2024 Homeward Bound rally departure from Nanny Cay, BVI and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas

(weather permitting)

 

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Fees & What's Included
Passage Discussion
Required Equipment
Crew Service
PredictWind
Rally FAQs
Volunteer to Help

The Homeward Bound Rally is an offshore passage in the company of other boats of many nationalities.  The official destination is Hampton, Virginia, USA, but boats will sail directly to various ports on the US East Coast and Canada. 

The rally to the US this May will have departures from Nanny Cay, BVI and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas on or about May 10th for points north.   Some may opt to stop in Bermuda on the way north but will limit their stay to three days and take the next available weather window or withdraw from the rally. 

Boats departing from the Bahamas will gather in Marsh Harbour starting approximately May 7 (Marsh Harbour info here). Those departing from Nanny Cay will start gathering May 5. Read more about the Nanny Cay departure here. 

As with all Salty Dawg rallies, the stated departure date is a goal, the actual date the fleet leaves port is weather dependent.  The Rally includes weather routing, position tracking, and an extensive level of coordination and support during the offshore passage. 

VHF radio and offshore communications equipment is required. Note: Beginning with the 2024 Homeward Bound Rally the only accepted tracking devices are the Garmin inReach family and the Zoleo Communicator. Please read the updated equipment requirements here. A limited number of Zoleo trackers will be available for rental. See this article for more details.

An arrival dinner in Hampton, VA will be planned for those boats that choose to make landfall there.  All Salty Dawgs are welcome at this event to provide a warm welcome to arriving cruisers.  The primary marina in Hampton is "The Docks at Downtown Hampton."  Use Dockwa for reservations.  The secondary marina is Salt Ponds Marina.

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

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

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. 

2024 Homeward Bound 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.
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