New fall rally destination and BVI relief fund

by Salty Dawg Sailing Association on 27 Sep 2017 The Salty Dawg Sailing Association (SDSA) Board of Directors has announced that the destination of the 2017 Fall Rally will now be Falmouth Harbor, Antigua. The decision by the Board comes as a result of the damage caused to the British Virgin Islands by Hurricane Irma. The seventh annual Fall Rally from Hampton Virginia and other points on the East Coast to the Caribbean is scheduled to depart on Nov. 2, weather permitting.

“The destination for the Salty Dawg Fall Rally has been the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda in the BVI since its inception,” said SDSA President Bill Knowles. 'We are saddened by the horrible devastation they are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the staff and employees and all the citizens of the BVI and other islands affected by Hurricane Irma,” he added.

In a related announcement, the SDSA Board announced the creation of the tax-deductible Salty Dawg BVI Relief Fund in response to requests from the membership - long distance sailors with long relationships with the residents of the impacted islands.

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run educational non-profit organization, perfectly poised to direct funds to the strong Rotary network and other grass roots community efforts in the BVI. Neither SDSA nor local Rotary groups apply any administrative fees to distribution of these funds.

In Antigua, the Salty Dawg fleet will enjoy many of the same benefits that they are accustomed to in the British Virgin Islands.

• The 'Safe Arrival' Dinner will be a poolside Barbeque at the Boom Restaurant and Pool overlooking Historic Nelson's Dockyard/English Harbor
• Discounts at the Admiral's Inn for those wishing a night ashore after the long ocean passage
• A special wine tasting event is scheduled in Falmouth Harbor
• Participating yachts earn one free night's dockage at Nelson's Dockyard upon arrival
• The Antigua Yacht Club will extend clubhouse privileges to the Salty Dawgs and is hosting a 'Meet and Greet' Happy Hour with local boat service businesses.

'While we are saddened that our friends in the BVI can not host us in their islands this year, those of us who have cruised Antigua in the past know the attractions that it offers to cruisers both on land and at sea,” said Director of Rally Management Rick Palm.

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that hosts several rallies, rendezvous and a series of blue water sailing seminars. Memberships in the Association are available for anyone interested in blue water sailing or long distance cruising.

Salty Dawg burgees are found on vessels around the world. Over 2,000 sailors and 500 boats have participated in Salty Dawg Rallies and over 1,400 sailors subscribe to notification of Salty Dawg events.