The largest rally leaving the US East Coast each fall is the Caribbean Rally hosted by the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, the fleet departs from Hampton VA or Newport RI, to head offshore to points south. Read more about the Newport departure.

It is not only the largest organized flotilla of cruisers leaving the US East Coast for the Caribbean—but the most fun.  The Caribbean Rally helps sailors arrive safely in the Caribbean and opens the door to new lifelong friends and experiences while cruising.

Where will you head this fall?  The Caribbean Rally provides you a choice of destinations. While the bulk of the fleet heads to Antigua, some choose to make landfall in the Abacos in the Bahamas.

In 2023 Hampton departing boats do not have an official stopover in Bermuda, read more here.

Whatever your destination, you will have the full support of SDSA either way.  If you're considering cruising the Caribbean, read this article by Bob Osborn, Rally Director, A Case for Making Landfall in Antigua.

The modest rally fee includes weather routing by Chris Parker of the Marine Weather Center, position tracking by PredictWind, and an extensive level of coordination and support from our shoreside team during the offshore passage.  Once accepted into the rally and rally fees are paid, you will have access to  extensive  information to help you prepare for a safe passage, including information about your destination and arrival plans. 

Questions?  Need more information?  Reach out to Bob Osborn, Rally Director, at [email protected] or for Bahamas specific questions contact Allen Roberts, Bahamas Port Captain, at [email protected].

Events begin about a week prior in Hampton, VA and boats gather for final boat and crew preparation, seminars, social events and weather briefings. 

Visit saltydawgsailing.org for more information on the rally and the Salty Dawg Sailing Association.