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Homeward Bound Rally

May 18, 2025 Homeward Bound rally departure from Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas (weather permitting)

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The Homeward Bound Rally from the Caribbean 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 Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten and Marsh Harbor, Bahamas on or about May 18th for points north.  This year, Homeward Bound Rally participants are also encouraged to consider participating in a Spring Bermuda Stopover, where boats from all three spring rallies (Homeward Bound, Azores Rally, and Bermuda Rally from Hampton) will converge to enjoy a week of activities in Bermuda.     Read here if you are considering planning a Bermuda stop during your passage home.

Boats departing from the Bahamas will gather in Marsh Harbour starting approximately May 15 (Marsh Harbour info here). Those departing from Sint Maarten will start gathering May 13. Read more about the Sint Maarten departure here. 

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.   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.

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.  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. Note: There have been changes to accepted tracking devices, 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. 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. 

2025 Homeward Bound Rally 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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