From the Helm

Greetings to all our Salty Dawg Members and our large audience of

subscribers! Here we are in the middle of summer, and I hope all are

finding ways to enjoy themselves on the water. Just being on the water

restores the soul.

Our Rally to Maine fleet is now on their own enjoying downeast cruising.

The Rally to Nova Scotia is just now off from Rockland and beginning to

explore the delights of Nova Scotia. And, of course we have many

Members up and down the East Coast of the US, in the Great Lakes, some

still in the Caribbean like Bonaire and Grenada, and others further afield like

on the West Coast, in the Pacific, Europe and other exotic places. That

sense of adventure and exploration, I think, is deeply rooted in all us Salty Dawgs.

As you take on that next great adventure, be sure to share your stories with other Salty Dawgs. Send

us a short article for our newsletter, send photos, Post on or Share our Facebook pages. Links for

these appear toward the end of this newsletter. I look forward to hearing from you!

Each issue I’d like to spotlight one of our Directors and share with you what they are doing. All of our

Directors work hard to make the Salty Dawg Sailing Association special. All are volunteers and receive

no compensation.

Most of you should know that Linda Knowles was one of the Founders of the Salty Dawg Rally

organization (now the SDSA), along with her husband Bill Knowles. Over the last few years she has

worked hard at establishing our Membership program, with strong support from Ken Gelao. We thank

her for her dedication and steady support of the Salty Dawg organization. Feel free to communicate

with any of your Directors – see Board of Directors.

Newsletter

Issue No. 26, Jul-Aug, 2019

Safe Sailing - Hank George

President, SDSA

Three-Star Sponsors

Major Sponsors

Rally to Maine Participant S/V LIFE IS GOOD

Get Onboard with our Fall Rally!

Rally to Maine Beat the Heat Wave by Tom Saxe, Director of Rally Management, S/V Aladdin

Nineteen adventurous rally participants signed up to go to Maine. Sixteen actually

were able to make the trip, with a couple dropping out early. Mother Nature was a

late add to the Rally as she raised her head when the Rally wanted to depart,

causing a delayed departure from Hampton. Captains made the prudent decision

to stay in Hampton a day and a half longer to allow Mother Nature to move through

with nasty Northeast winds.

The resulting weather pattern allowed for a motor sail to Rhode

Island. Most boats arrived a day later than planned. However; once

in Dutch Harbor, the participants came together and enjoyed a

dinner ashore and more updates from weather router Chris Parker.

Based on current information, the Captains opted to arrive at the

Cape Cod Canal on the early morning tide and transit averaging 10

knots with the NE flowing current.

From Rhode Island to Maine, the weather behaved and allowed for

the Rally to continue on schedule. Unfortunately, the wind was not

very robust and more diesel was used to reach Rockland Maine.

Dutch Dresser, and Rick and Julie Palm welcomed the fleet with great

shoreside activities, which of course included their fill of lobster. The

event held at the Rockland Yacht Club and included Salty Dawg

Members from the area, Rockland Yacht Club Members and rally

participants from the soon to start Nova Scotia Rally. Shoreside

activities were enjoyed by all.

To make landfall even better, Dutch and Elaine Dresser lead the Dawgs

on a local 3 day mini cruise showing off some of the great anchorages

of the area. These allowed for shoreside sundowners (BYOB cocktails

ashore) and great introductions to Maine cruising.

Now the fleet can look forward to that special “downeast cruising”.

Antigua: Where You Should Go This Fall by Bob Osborn, Antigua Port Captain, S/V Pandora

Ok, here’s the deal. If you are heading to the Caribbean next

season, I’m here to tell you that one of the best places to make

landfall is Antigua. So, feast your eyes on this beautiful sunset in

Antigua. It could be yours.

There are a number of options for heading to the Caribbean from

the US east coast. Beyond where to make landfall, a key

question is about how convenient it is to explore the rest of the

eastern Caribbean once you arrive.

Make landfall in Antigua, and from there you can sail just about anywhere on a reach or downwind for

the rest of the season. A short distance from Antigua are many islands worth visiting, St Martin, St

Barths as well as some of the smaller islands which are very close like Nevis and St Kitts.

Weather router Chris Parker notes that the harbors of Antigua are well protected from the large winter

north swells produced by the all too common storms of the north Atlantic. Storms of the North Atlantic

make anchorages farther north and on the smaller islands untenable for much of the winter.

Cruising Articles

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One-Star Sponsors

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Dinghy Drift Fun!

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More Pics

Winslow Life Raft

Antigua Yacht Club & Resort

Edson International

Blue Water Divers

Crewsaver

A & F Sails - Antigua

North Sails Antigua

Cruising Solutions

Mantus Anchor

Spinlock

White Sound Press

Sport-A-Seat

Club Sushi Antigua

The Admiral’s Inn - Antigua New England Ropes

Vacay Covent Garden Supermarket -Antigua

Stronger winds, known as the “Christmas winds”, pipe up in the Caribbean in the second half of

December through mid-March. However, it is easy to ride them out with good holding in the protected

harbors of Antigua. There is plenty to do in Antigua if you opt to spend several weeks there before

heading further south.

If you need a place to keep your boat when you head home for the holidays, dockage, moorings and

marina storage in Antigua are a lot less expensive than you might think and flights home for the

holidays are convenient and reasonably priced.

Of course, on any long voyage, things break and Antigua has extensive services available to get just

about anything fixed. While equipment is somewhat more expensive than in the US, most anything can

be brought in quickly and installed by those who know how to do it. It’s no surprise that many skippers

of mega yachts choose to have work done in Antigua. You can get great canvas work, painting and

varnishing at reasonable rates.

To the south, there is great variety in the islands that you will visit,

with each stop offering their own unique cultures, especially the

French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique and the very quaint

Les Saintes archipelago just south of Guadeloupe. With distances

between islands of generally 50 miles or less.

Dominica, the “nature island” is very popular with cruisers given its’

rustic nature and extensive hiking trails through the rainforest.

Don’t miss “Yachtie Appreciation Week”, with your fellow Dawgs.

While it’s always a good idea to keep your dink locked when on shore

and tied to the boat at night, the Caribbean is generally very safe.

Falmouth and English Harbour are very safe, even at night.

It was no accident that the British Navy chose English Harbour and

Antigua as their base of their naval operations in the Caribbean during

the age of sail as these harbors are very well protected and offer

consistent trade wind sailing on a reach to just about every area of the

Caribbean. Fully restored today and a UNESCO World Heritage site,

Nelson’s Dockyard is a wonderful place to spend time.

Love fireworks? There is just no better place to be than on the bow of

your boat on New Year’s Eve in English Harbour.

As the season winds down you may choose, as many do, to leave your

boat south in Grenada or Trinidad where you’ll be safe from the sea-

sonal hurricanes.

Returning to the US? Sailing back to the Virgins is an easy run, off the wind, where you can join up for

the Salty Dawg Spring Rally to the US. Along the way you’ll want to be sure and stop in St Barths and

St Martin as well as some of the smaller islands.

Antigua is the sailing capital of the Caribbean and very cruiser friendly. And, as Rally Port Captain, I

have seen first-hand that Antigua is extremely welcoming to Salty Dawgs. The Antigua Yacht Club even

throws the Dawgs a free party, with food and drink for all.

If this is your first passage to Antigua, making landfall and seeing the

historic Nelson’s Dockyard will give you and your crew a thrill not to

be missed. Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO world heritage site and

the only operating Georgian boatyard in the world.

Still need convincing? Contact me, and I’ll answer your questions. If

Antigua wasn’t such a great spot, I wouldn’t be spending so much of

my time working to make your arrival a great experience. When the

Dawgs arrive Antigua, there will be more than a week of events,

some free, all reasonably priced. Click here to see what’s planned.

Can’t bring your boat this season but want to join in the fun? Not a problem, fly in and join us, special

“Dawg Rates” can be yours at the Admiral’s Inn, in the heart of the Dockyard when the fleet arrives.

And, in April, before you head home, don’t miss the great classics at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta,

and Antigua Race Week that attracts some of the fastest sailboats and best hotshot crews in the world.

Don’t delay. Click here to learn more and sign up for the largest rally to the Caribbean from the US.

You’ll be glad you did. Contact me with questions.

Contributing Sponsors

Pics & Fun

Antigua Pics

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Les Saintes

Dominica

Nelson’s Dockyard

Confessions of an Offshore Sailor Bahamas Style by David Crafa, Bahamas Rally Port Captain, S/V Vanishing Point

In 2017, I was preparing to take our Hylas 54, S/V Vanishing

Point, south to the BVIs with the Salty Dawgs as I do each year.

That was the year of Irma, the strongest Category 5 hurricane

recorded in the Atlantic basin, followed immediately by Maria,

regarded as the worst natural disaster to hit the Virgin Islands

and Puerto Rico. Dominica, St Martin, The BVI, The USVI and

Puerto Rico were devastated. Most sailors still wanted to sail to

the BVI and help in the recovery efforts, but we were advised to

stay away because there was not enough resources for even the

locals to sustain themselves, and a fleet of boats would put a strain on the already maxed out

resources. We all decided to stand down, and that is when the Antigua passage for the Salty Dawg

Rally was born.

There has always been a Bahamas component to the Salty Dawg Rally,

but I must admit, I never really paid much attention to it. I was setting my

sights on the more exotic isles of the eastern Caribbean with its storied

history and diverse culture. It felt more “pirate like”. What would Jack

Sparrow do? Sail to the Bahamas?.. or sail to the Eastern Caribbean?

And wasn’t it only for the catamaran crowd? Boy was I wrong...

My Fiancé at the time and now my wife, Peggy Huang, and I decided

that due to the storms we would spend some time closer to home and

sail to the leewards next year. Since she was in the process of managing US operations for Hylas

Yachts, and I was involved in music and film projects in New York, we decided to take Vanishing Point

to Florida. We still sailed with the Salty Dawgs because we like the camaraderie and the events leading

up to departure. It’s one of the few times of year we can see all our sailing buddies in one place.

Besides. How bad could Florida be?

Florida is expensive!

At between $3 to $6 per foot it gets expensive quick. The reasonable marinas were all booked up.

Which left us with the expensive ones. That’s when a friend of ours recommended Marsh Harbour in

the Abacos, and at .55 cents a foot at the Jib Room, we decided to go take a look.

We found just what we were looking for and more: A strikingly beautiful

and off the beaten path island group with incredible natural protection,

great restaurants and beach bars, plenty of moorings and slips with

several options to choose from, a large protected anchorage, terrific

grocery stores and Chandlers all within dinghy range. We found many

other wonderful cays to day sail or anchor overnight within the

protected waters of the Abaco Sea.

Most importantly we found the locals, their culture and cruising

community to be of the highest caliber, extremely friendly and helpful.

The Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club has affordable membership rates

and offer discounts at most marinas and restaurants. They are also a

fun bunch to hangout with! Daily happy hour and movie nights as well

as raft ups, dinner events, golfing trips, bonfires, etc.

Peggy and I so loved the Abacos that we sailed back with the

Salty Dawg Rally the following year and got married at Abaco

Beach Resort. We jumped at the chance to be port captains for

the Bahamas leg of the Salty Dawg Fall Rally and now we can’t

wait to share our love of this very special place with all of you!

Get signed up now for the Salty Dawg Fall Rally!

Contact me with questions.

PS: Don’t worry about the depth. We draw 7.5

Sail to the Bahamas with the Salty Dawgs!

Bahamas Pics

Preparing to go Offshore by Tom Saxe, Director of Rally Management, S/V Aladdin

So you want to go offshore prepared.

The most important aspect of completing an offshore passage

comfortably is to be prepared. One doesn’t want to head offshore

with a nagging thought that you left something to chance and not

have absolute confidence in the boat, rig, sails and crew.

One of the best things you can do to get from point A to destination

is to make sure you can get there fast, or in sailing terms, as fast as

you can. This means the bottom needs to be free from growth.

A week before departing clean or have the boat’s bottom cleaned.

This could mean a difference of ½ to 1 knot in boat speed. Do the

math and see how important this is over a 1400 mile journey.

Inspect the rig. Do this a month or so before departing to allow for

potential parts ordering or work by a competent rigger. Don’t leave

this to the cursory binocular look at the truck. Go up. If at all

possible, go aloft yourself and don’t leave this to a trusted third party. Check cotter pins, clevis pins,

swages, sheaves for freeness of movement, halyard integrity and electronic connections.

Mechanicals need love. My rule of thumb is to do everything to the

engines/generators that you don’t want to do offshore. Change filters

(all of them), clean Racor filters by totally taking them apart and

replace o-rings. Make sure you have CLEAN fuel and tanks, and

polish your fuel if necessary. Ocean conditions and the Gulf Stream

will shake, stir and mix sediment and water into your fuel system.

Replace belts, flush coolant and change oil. Check the manufactures

recommendations and if in doubt do the maintenance. Change internal zincs. Inspect hoses to make

sure they won’t chafe. Do the seacocks work easily? Do you have enough spares? Plan for 100 hours

of engine utilization, and remember, you could be motoring most of the distance.

Have you looked inside the liferaft case lately? Does it look

reasonable for a quick deployment? Check the inspection dates. Do

you need a repack? Are those required flares current? Does the flare

pistol work? Do you have a glove available with the flares for protec-

tion during deployment? Is there a cockpit whistle? Do you have a

working high powered flash light with spare batteries?

Do you maintain adequate PFDs and tethers for everyone aboard

and have you inspected inflation canisters for valid operating dates? Do you have Jacklines and have

you inspected them recently? Have your man overboard devices and EPIRB been inspected recently?

Electronics always work, until they don’t. When was the last time you updated the software? Do you

have the right map chip for the destination? Are the instruments calibrated? Are you prepared with a

back-up chart plan? Do you have a planning chart that can also keep the crew situationally aware?

Do you have a contingency plan for your systems, including steering?

Are your sails up for the journey? Are the cloth tacks UV soaked?

Do the threads break when pulled with a needle? If so, I would have a

good sail maker inspect the sails.

If you are doing the SDSA Fall Rally this year, please ensure that every-

one aboard has been registered with the SDSA and that everyone

aboard has provided a Float Plan to their family members. Have you

secured enough crew to assure a comfortable, safe passage. If not, we have crew who can assist.

The SDSA will have vendors available in Hampton for the week of preparations. Determine your

maintenance requirements and decide if you need to reserve time with service providers. Don’t wait

until the last minute to schedule maintenance in Hampton as there may be many others that are also

scheduling maintenance and the service providers may not fit you into their schedule. Contact me in

advance for a list of service providers and more information.

This is not an all-inclusive list and there are additional resources on our website. Prior to rally departure,

we will provide you with additional educational resources via electronic collateral and onsite seminars.

The best way to maximize your enjoyment at predeparture week is by arriving ready to go. Feel free to

contact me with your questions and concerns.

Cape Cod Canal

Rallies Get Onboard with the Largest Rally of the Year!

As our Summer Rallies to Maine and Nova Scotia complete, we turn our attention to

preparing for our Fall Rally to the Caribbean. This year, we are providing you an option of two

destinations, Falmouth Harbour, Antigua and Marsh Harbor, Abacos in the Bahamas. We encourage

you to register and prepare early for this fantastic rally!

The 2019 Fall Rally to the Caribbean

Our Fall Rally is the largest rally from the U.S. to the Caribbean and will depart on

November 2nd, weather permitting, with pre-departure education and social events

beginning on October 26th in Hampton, VA. Pre-departure events will consist of

various seminars, social events, a helicopter rescue demonstration, weather

briefings and much more. See our Agenda for more detail about pre-departure events. You don‘t want

to miss out on the education and fun!

Get Registered Now!

Get registered now to begin receiving information and start being

prepared. Members receive a significant discount on Fall Rally

Fees, along with various Member Benefits. For non-members,

registration includes covering your first year of Membership dues.

See more info here. Plan early and Register Now! Brochure

See Pics, Ship’s Logs and Fleet Info from Previous Rallies

Register Now for the 2019 Fall Rally!

Coming Events

All SDSA Rallies Feature:

• Fun, friendships, camaraderie, education and social events.

• Weather routing services and pre-departure briefings.

• Shoreside coordination, tracking and communication.

• A radio net facilitating communication among the boats in the fleet.

• A cruise-in-company support system with veteran support.

• A Crew List Service to assist you in finding crew.

• The lowest possible entry fee with the greatest possible payback.

Salty Dawg Carl Enjoying Life

Send Your Pics HERE

Rally & Registration Questions: Contact our Director of Rally Management, Tom Saxe

Specific Antigua Questions: Contact our Antigua Port Captain, Bob Osborn

Specific Bahamas Questions: Contact our Bahamas Port Captains, David Crafa & Peggy Huang

Rendezvous

Annapolis Seminar - Essentials of Blue Water Sailing

A Seminar for Blue Water Sailors by Blue Water Sailors!

Make plans to attend the Salty Dawg Sailing Association’s Annapolis Seminar. This day-long passage

-making seminar will be held on Wednesday, October 9th at our new indoor location at the Maryland

Yacht Club. Whether you are a seasoned offshore passage-maker or a first-time ocean adventurer, this

year's seminar agenda includes valuable information for you.

Join us for a very special information-packed day! All sailors are welcome, so bring your sailing partners

and friends, and be sure to register. SDSA Members qualify for a discounted registration fee.

With limited seating, you'll want to register early.

Schedule of Events More Info and Register

The Salty Dawg Annapolis Rendezvous by Hylas

Salty Dawgs and friends are invited to happy hour, a delicious dinner, special guest

speakers and a great gathering of sailors in Annapolis on Thursday October 10th.

The Salty Dawg Annapolis Rendezvous is an annual fun fest for sailors. Salty Dawgs get together to

renew friendships. Others attend to find out what the fun is all about. Our special speakers this year are

Behan and Jamie Gifford, S/V Totem. Join them for an inspirational

presentation reflecting on important moments from circumnavigating

while raising their family. Let it spark your own cruising dreams or

bring back memories of what you love most about this incredible

lifestyle.

Prior to the Gifford's' presentation, we'll enjoy Happy Hour followed

by dinner. Join us for a meet-and-greet and enjoy the company of

other sailors - from experienced, seasoned passage-makers to those

hoping to make their first passage to everyone in between. Catch up

with old friends and make new ones at the 8th Annual Annapolis Rendezvous. We’re excited to be at

our new indoor location at the Maryland Yacht Club!

Thanks to Hylas Yachts for their sponsorship of the Annapolis Rendezvous!

More Info and Register

Salty Dawg Booth at the U.S. Sailboat Show Stop by and say “Hi” on October 10-14th at our Salty Dawg Booth G2 at the head of Ego Ally at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis MD. Meet and make sailing friends and get a free Salty Dawg cap for new or renewing Membership at the booth. And don’t forget to collect your free Salted Nut Roll… while the nuts last, of course. More Info

Costume Party Rendezvous Come to our Annual Costume Party on October 31st in Hampton, VA, sponsored by the Hampton Convention and Tourist Bureau.

Come in fancy dress or not. A scrumptious Pig Roast dinner will follow the costume judging. And don't miss the silent auction of valuable marine products donated by our sponsors! Join the fun at the Bluewater Yachting Center in Hampton.

All SDSA members, Fall Rally participants and their guests are invited to attend. Save the date, further details and registration info to follow.

The Salty Dawg Store

Education

• Noted experts ilike Dave Flynn of Quantum Sails and SDSA World Class Sailors – Hank George, Russ and Laurie Owen, and Jo Barnes (Learn more about the Salty Dawg Ocean Class and World Class Registers)

• Veteran blue water sailors

• An emphasis on safety and seamanship

• Presentations & panel discussions with time for one-on-one interaction with speakers and fellow cruisers

The Antigua Cruising Week Rendezvous Is your boat in Grenada or Trinidad? If so, please join us in welcoming your fellow Fall Rally southbound Dawgs in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua on Thursday November 14-28th. Those sailing North to Antigua can join the fun at discounted rates.

Or, if you just yearn for a tropical vacation amid like-minded

cruisers…. perhaps you’ll fly to Antigua and enjoy the Salty

Dawg fun and special discounts at the Admirals Inn in the

historical Nelson’s Dockyard.

Click here to view the exciting events planned in Antigua.

Click here to tell us you will join us at the Salty Dawg Antigua Cruising Week!

Any questions? Contact Antigua Fleet Captain Bob Osborn at bob@saltydawgsailing.org.

SSCA 33rd Annapolis Gam

Salty Dawg Members are invited to join the Seven Seas Cruising Associa-

tion (SSCA) for their 33rd Annual Annapolis Gam on Friday, September

27th thru Sunday, September 29th at the Maryland Yacht Club (MYC) in

Pasadena, Maryland. It will be a great time of education, fun and fellowship.

More Info

Hylas Yachts

Recipe

Caprese Tall Ships by VAWINEPRINCESS

Ingredients

2 Tomatoes

1 Basil Plant

Balsamic Glaze

1 Pack (10 Slices) of Mozzarella

1 Baguette or Crustini

Directions

1) Slice baguettes into rounds about 1/4” inch thick.

2) Slice the tomato into half rounds then cut them down the middle. Lay 1 slice on each of the ba-guette rounds..

3) Center a full or half leaf of basil on the tomato.

4) Add a drop, line, or swirl of Balsamic Glaze.

5) Cut your slice of cheese. Trim the rough edge. Then cut in half. Finally, cut the top 1/3 off the rest of the slice.

6) Assemble your sail! Fold your larger rectangle of cheese to be the bottom sail and your smaller rectangle to be the topsail.

7) Poke your mast through the center of your boat. For the best results, make sure it goes through the basil leaf, tomato, and bread.

Announcements

Kathy Brandel Elected to the Board

This is a belated notice on the election of Kathy Brandel to the Board.

An oversight on our part.

Kathy was elected to the Board last fall, and serves as the Social Media &

Merchandise Director for the Salty Dawgs.

Already she has worked on restructuring our Facebook pages, and these have

seen an amazing amount of activity – so please keep-up that use of Facebook.

She also has been working on shifting our merchandise offerings. Pretty soon

you will see a new store of Salty Dawg gear offered on our website – look for

the announcement.

Kathy and her husband Ralph Hendry are full-time live aboards, have sailed south with the Salty dawgs

to the BVI, cruised further in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and from Florida to Martha’s Vineyard. Say

hello to them when you see Simplicity, their St. Francis 50 catamaran.

Board Elects Ken Gelao

Ken Gelao was recently elected to the Board and will support Linda Knowles in

the Membership area.

As a Salty Dawg volunteer for the past several years, Ken has assisted with the

membership program, newsletter production and the Crew List Service. New

Members appreciate the cordial welcome and assistance he provides as they

come into the organization. Ken will continue to work closely with Linda and

staff, taking broader responsibilities within the Membership Program.

Ken has participated as crew in several Salty Dawg rallies to the Caribbean and

his current home port is the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. Ken looks

forward to working with you and welcomes your comments at

membership@saltydawgsailing.org.

Need Crew for the Fall Rally? / Want to Crew in the Fall Rally?

If you are a captain in the Fall Rally and need crew, use our Crew List Service

to find crew. Many crew candidates are available now, but could be booked

soon. Don’t wait until the last minute to search for crew.

Do you desire to crew in a Salty Dawg Rally? Sign-up with our Crew List

Service to get your name on the list. Captains are beginning their search for

crew now.

More Info Here Contact: crew@saltydawgsailing.org

Member Boats For Sale

1995 Bristol 38.8

Located in Annapolis, yard maintained & comfortable on the bay or offshore. s/v Serendipity.

MORE INFO

2004, Jeanneau 54 DS

Located in Virginia, fast and comfortable offshore cruiser. s/v SAPPHIRE. MORE INFO

2004 Beneteau Oceanis 473

Located in Maryland, cruise ready, fast and comfortable. s/v CHILL. MORE INFO

THANK YOU for your Participation!

The Tale End

Join Now!

Hog Heaven!

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