Committed to providing education and networking opportunities for Bay sailors and cruisers, Nautech Enterprises, in partnership with SpinSheet Magazine, is organizing the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally.

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice, the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally offers participants the opportunity to gain additional sailing and cruising experience while circumnavigating the Delmarva Peninsula in the company of other vessels.

Packed full of events, briefings, vessel inspections and social activities, the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally provides participants with the experience of a lifetime. Cruising clubs and sailing associations are welcome and encouraged to join the Rally!

Rally Dates


The dates for the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally are May 25 to June 3. The fleet assembles in Herrington Harbour South Marina on Friday, May 24 for a weekend of vessel inspections, briefings, mini workshops and social activities. Then it is time to set sail and depart Monday, May 27 (depending on weather). The rally ends with a huge award party June 3, at Zahnisers Marina in Solomons, MD.

The Route


Upon departing Herrington Harbour South the fleet proceeds north up the Chesapeake Bay to a designated overnight anchorage. The next morning finds the fleet transiting through the C & D Canal, down the Delaware and offshore down the Delmarva coast en route to Hampton, VA. The fleet arrives at Salt Ponds Marina in Hampton, VA for an overnight stay before the final overnight leg up the Chesapeake en route to Solomons, MD.

Vessel Requirements


The Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally is open to all seaworthy vessels 30 feet in length or larger that meet the rally organizers' requirements. The rally is governed by the ORC (Ocean Racing Council) Rules to ensure all vessels meet the standards and have the required safety equipment on board. Key safety equipment items include:

  • Life Raft (with current year to date inspection certificate)

  • EPIRB

  • SOLAS Flares


If you do not own a raft and would like to rent one, Viking Life Saving Equipment, Inc. a rally sponsor, has rafts available to rent for rally participants. Contact Karen Hansen at Viking Life Saving Equipment, Inc at 305.374.5115 or email her at [email protected] direct to order your raft.

Vessel Safety Inspections


Each crew and vessel participates in safety inspections prior to departing on the rally. This inspection is to ensure that the required safety equipment is on board and the crew are familiar with the equipment. A safety equipment demonstration will be provided for the captains and their crews prior to departing Herrington Harbour.

Captain's Responsibilities


The safety of the vessel and crew lies with the captain of each vessel. Responsibility for self- sufficiency, safety, handling emergencies and for any accident/mishap will rest with the captain, owner and crew as specified per the Round Delmarva Cruising Rally rules.

Crew Requirements


A minimum of three participants per vessel (including the captain) is recommended for the rally.

Additional Self-Inspections


Each Captain is provided with detailed checklists, which covers areas that are recommended to be checked prior to participating in the rally. The rally organizers highly recommend that you have your Rigging, Engine and Sails inspected prior to joining the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally. The following sponsors offer discounts or reduced rates to rally participants:

Quantum Sail Design Group offers sail inspections and new sails. Contact Chuck O'Malley direct at the Quantum Sail Design Loft in Annapolis, MD at 410.268.1161 or via e-mail at [email protected]

Chesapeake Rigging Ltd. in Annapolis provides rigging inspections and repairs. For more details contact Tom Wohlgemuth at Chesapeake Rigging Ltd. at 410.268.0956.

Participants in the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally meet fellow cruisers with the same goals, interests and objectives. Traveling in the company of other sailors builds a lasting bond between the participants. These lasting relationships and friendships are priceless!

Participate In The Education


Nautech Enterprises offers numerous workshops and seminars to enhance your boating, sailing and cruising skills. Our Offshore Passagemaking Seminar is geared toward first time offshore cruising. We encourage the captains or crews to attend our educational events to prepare for the rally.

For detailed information on our workshops, seminars and other educational opportunities check our Seminars and Workshops or call 410.573.1089.

Daily Chats


Daily radio communciation or "chats" are conducted three times a day via required VHF and/or Single Side Band (SSB) radios. The purpose is to update vessel positions and share information amongst the fleet.

Weather Briefings


Waiting for the right weather window for any passage is part of a cruiser's life-style. A reliable weather routing service provides weather information to the fleet and will be passed on to the fleet as it is provided. If threatening weather is evident the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally may delay for a confirmed weather window. Captain and crews should plan accordingly for potential delays.

Awards


Each vessel participating in the rally receives an award. Additional awards are provided for Navigational Excellence, Seamanship and the infamous Fishing Award.

Insurance


The primary insurance provider for the Round Delmarva 400 Cruising Rally is Jack Martin and Associates. Be sure to check your insurance carrier for coastal and Chesapeake Bay coverage. If you have questions contact Morgan Wells at Jack Martin and Associates at 410.626.1000 or toll-free 1.800.497.8101.

Vessel and Crewmember Fees


Vessel fees cover Captains participant fee, Round Delmarva Handbook and Rally Burgee, Vessel Award, Briefings and Weather Routing services. The participant fee includes numerous social events, parties and mixers at Herrington Harbour South, Skip Jack Cove, Salt Ponds Marina and at Zahnisers Marina.

Fees

Rally Fee Structure:TotalDeposit
Vessel Fee (includes Captain Participant Fee)$395.00$200.00
Participant Fee (per crew member)$75.00$75.00

*Vessel Deposits are non-refundable, remaining vessel and full participant fees due no later than April 15th. All fees paid in full after April 15 are non-refundable.

For more information or to register, contact:

Nautech Enterprises
[email protected] www.nautechenterprises.com