BY GEORGE DAY
This year will mark the 16th consecutive year of running the flagship rally in company to the Caribbean.
SDSA president Mike Benjamin announced, “Vessels can choose to depart from either (i) Hampton, Virginia, with an anticipated departure date of November 1, 2026 (weather permitting), bound for either Marsh Harbor, Great Abaco, Bahamas or Antigua or (ii) Newport Rhode Island, bound for Antigua, with an anticipated departure date in late October. Vessels destined for Antigua will also have the option to stop briefly in Bermuda.”
The passage to Antigua should take about 12 days while the passage to the Bahamas should take about 5 days.
Here are the benefits of participating in this rally:
- Pre-departure education and support from the SDSA team, outside experts and sponsors. Learn how to prepare for and what to expect on your passage to the Caribbean.
- Leadership by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their sailing dreams.
- Twenty-four-hour tracking and SDSA shoreside emergency support services to help ensure a well-run and safe rally for all.
- Emergency “concierge” style 24/7 medical support by George Washington Maritime Medical Services.
- Pre departure and daily on route weather forecasting and routing by Chris Parker at Marine Weather Center.
- Position tracking map.
- Pre departure and arrival social events and camaraderie.
