The Salty Dawg Rally™ to host three cruising events this summer

by Salty Dawg Rally™ on 4 Apr 2016 The fifth Annual fourth of July Rendezvous will be held in Bristol, Rhode Island. Enjoy lobsters, the colorful parade, concerts, fireworks and fun at the historic Bristol fourth of July celebration.

On July 9, the Rally will host a Southern Chesapeake Rendezvous at the private Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club (ICYCC) in Kilmarnock, Virginia. This new event is open to all interested in blue water sailing, with a full afternoon and evening of great activities. The range of activities will include an open house of several blue water sailing vessels, talks by experienced ocean sailors and circumnavigators, introduction of numerous blue water sailors to rub shoulders with, a superb happy hour, fun entertainment and delicious dining at ICYCC.

A new Rally to Maine will depart from ICYCC on July 11 and will arrive in Maine for some great “downeast” cruising on or about July 18, depending on weather and boat speeds. The rally is open to all boats wishing to make this passage, with rally preparation assistance, weather services, offshore coordination, camaraderie and fun events the Salty Dawg Rallies are known for. This rally is a great opportunity to gain offshore experience, as well as to sail with a fun group of sailors. Extensive benefits are offered prior to departure, along the way during the rally and once vessels arrive in Maine, all for a nominal entry charge.

The Rally to Maine will be led by experienced offshore sailors Hank and Seale George, with pre-departure events, stops in Dutch Harbor, Rhode Island (near Newport) and Mattapoisett Harbor, transit through the Cape Cod Canal and landfall in Rockland, Maine. A special arrival reception will be held in Rockland to celebrate the fleet’s completion of its passage. From there, cruisers can visit the iconic villages of the area and explore the numerous attractive anchorages, parks and isles of coastal Maine. The rally will also provide recommended short and longer cruises of the Maine coast for participants who wish to continue their adventure in Maine.

Vessels may also join the Rally to Maine in Dutch Harbor/Newport. Cruisers planning to attend the fourth of July Rendezvous in Bristol can stay in the area and link up with the Rally to Maine about July 14.

Over 470 boats and more than 1,880 sailors have participated in the Salty Dawg rallies since the nonprofit organization was founded in 2011.