Salty Dawg Announces Summer Rallies to Maine and Nova Scotia

Seal Bay For Maine Rally

Apr 25, 2019

Enjoy a Downeast Adventure to “chill” in the cool weather. Delight in the coastal beauty and culinary wonders of Maine. Then, sail on to witness maritime magic in the land of Celtic music on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. The nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association™ (SDSA) invites all sailors to join a cruising rally from the Chesapeake to Maine followed by a second rally from Maine to Nova Scotia. Some cruisers (both under sail and under power) will join the SDSA fleet in the Chesapeake Bay and follow the route of both rallies to the Maritime Province.

Others will join along the way. All are welcome.

The Salty Dawg Rally to Maine will leave the Chesapeake Bay on July 7 and the Rally to Nova Scotia will leave Rockland, Maine on August 4. Stops along the way where cruisers can enjoy quaint villages, local cuisine and maritime lore are part of each rally.

“We are excited about our summer rallies, returning for the fourth year to Maine and our second year to Nova Scotia’s Bras d’Or Lakes,” said SDSA Director of Rally Management Rick Palm.

“With Sailing CBI, Inc. as our host in Canada, the Rockland Yacht Club as our host in Maine, and veteran Salty Dawgs volunteering to help along the way, we are confident that both rallies will provide unforgettable experiences for everyone who joins in the fun,” he added.

The Salty Dawg summer rallies also offer an opportunity for those planning to go to the Caribbean in the Salty Dawg Fall Rally to gain offshore experience with the support of experienced passage-makers and at the same time, to enjoy the cool weather, beauty and flavors of Maine and Nova Scotia.

“The passage to Maine was an excellent primer for the passage to the Caribbean. The camaraderie experienced, along with advice from seasoned offshore sailors, prepared us well. We had a great time and a safe passage! Moses (the dog on board) did great too,” said Brian and Shelly Stork, s/v Aria who sailed in the Rally to Maine last year as part of their preparation for the Fall Rally.

All SDSA rallies feature:

• Weather routing services, pre-departure briefings, and daily updates by Chris Parker of Marine Weather Center.
• Shoreside coordination and communication by experienced Salty Dawg volunteers.
• A radio net facilitating communication among the boats in the fleet.
• The lowest possible entry fee with the greatest possible payback as a result of the support of over 40 sponsors and dozens of experienced cruisers who volunteer their time.

For more information on the Salty Dawgs, go to www.SaltyDawgSailing.org.

Related Articles

Halifax Venetian Night

Halifax Venetian Night

An annual tradition, Venetian Night is a parade of brightly decorated vessels that participate in a magnificent evening Parade of Sail along the North West Arm. This is the event where Christmas lights in August are encouraged, along with sparklers, fireworks, noisemakers and more! The Halifax clubs share the festivities.

A Sea of Possibilities on the Saint John River

A Sea of Possibilities on the Saint John River

Cruising on Canada’s East Coast, at least for those who have never been there, can conjure up images of fierce tides and dense fog. While these conditions do exist at times, they can be managed with prudence and planning. However, there are two large cruising areas that are as inviting as any protected inland lake or river. These are the Bras d’Or Lakes region of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and the Saint John River in New Brunswick. Although the Saint John River runs for over 400 miles from its headwaters in the mountains of northern Maine, it is the approximately 75 miles between the river’s mouth at the port city of Saint John on the Bay of Fundy and the head of navigation at Fredericton, that attract the boater’s attention. 

 

SDSA Maritime Rally 2023

SDSA Maritime Rally 2023

Salty Dawgs is a great organization for cruisers who appreciate the knowledge and camaraderie of an organized group.  Best known for their Caribbean Rallies that take snowbird types from Hampton VA to the Caribbean, having discovered the appeal of Canada’s Maritimes, they are now running a rally to Nova Scotia.

Video Gallery

Pursuit S268 Sport CC

By Andy Adams

The Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console is a do-it-all kind of boat with a solid sense of style. Centre console designs have been developed for the southern blue water sport fishing enthusiasts (and this boat would raise fish with the best of them) but the Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console offers far more utility and enjoyment than just fishing.

Read More

Destinations

Bayfield Marine Turns 40 with Big April Events

(l to r) Holly, Adam, Pat, Ron, Shelley

Ron and Pat Reder started out in October 1984 across the road from where they are right now on the Bayfield River in Bayfield ON. The store front was about 10 x 20 and the rest of that side of the building was a stock room, wood finishing room, then behind that was more back stock and the lunchroom. Expanding every few years for the store front, then moving over to this new building five years ago, this year with Adam, Shelley, and Holly are carrying on the business.

Read More

Lifestyle