The DCA membership in the USA and Canada has been growing  and we have decided to try and organise some specific DCA meets to complement the gatherings that already happen, e.g. under the auspices of the Traditional Small Craft Association or locally managed events such as the Texas 200.   To achieve this it is likely that  local groups or chapters will  be formed.

​Some possible locations for DCA meets include:
  • Toledo Bend Reservoir, TX/LA
  • Big Lagoon State Park, FL
  • Lake Erie,  OH
  • Cedar Key or St. Augustine,     FL
  •  Lake Michigan - Green Bay, WI or Grand Traverse Bay, MI
  • Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Strait of Georgia

2023 Programme

​The  Regional Secretary for North America is Mark Wisdom. If you have any questions about the rally programme  or would like to join a rally prior to becoming a member of the DCA,   please  email  the   Regional Secretaries, specifying your question concerns North America.

​Please note that all DCA rallies are subject to change or cancellation in the light of inclement weather, so it is vital that you check in the Forum's     North America      section     for last minute changes or important instructions relating to the rally. Contact details for the rally organisers can be found in the Forum or Journal. Rally information can also be found in the Facebook group Dinghy Cruising  the Americas.

​Other events listed below, organized by or  with planned participation by DCA members,  are subject to the rules and management of the organizing bodies. 
May 6-7    Circumnavigation of Deer Island, Mississippi
Launch from the Biloxi Small Craft harbor and sail, row or paddle a short distance to Deer Island. We willspend the Saturday and Sunday morning sailing around Deer Island and exploring the beaches. Camping on the island on Saturday night and Friday night if you arrive early. 
Organised by Jude Miller  of SmallCraftLife.com 


May 13-21    Big Lagoon Rally, Perdido Key, Florida
Perdido Key is a great location in south east / central USA. The sound provides a protected area with numerous launch points and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The plan is to    sail each day based on the winds and tides with rest days spread out through the week.    Big Lagoon State Park offers safe overnight parking.

Organised by Jude Miller  of SmallCraftLife.com 
 May 12-14        Weekend Cruise to Kelly's Island, Lake Erie

​Start from Mazurik Boat Launch or other nearby boat ramps. Stay at Kelly's Island State Park and Harbor. Campsites must be reserved through the Ohio State Park System. You may prearrange sharing a site, or sleep anchored out. Distance from Mazurik to Kelly’s Island is about five nautical miles. Sailing is subject to weather conditions which are variable this time of year. This is a resort island with restaurants and bars within walking distance of the State Park.
​Organised by Robert Mosher
Picture
Mazurik Ramp
 July 20-27                    Salish 100 - Pacific Northwest.
Join fellow small boat enthusiasts and other DCA members on a week-long cruise in company from Olympia to Port Townsend, Washington. The Salish 100 is 100+ small boats cruising 100 nautical miles, the full length of Puget Sound. Originally founded by DCA member Marty Loken, the Northwest Maritime Center now facilitate this event. Applications to join the cruise can be made here: nwmaritime.org/salish100
 August                   Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan
A DCA rally is being planned to explore Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. There are many launch sites at Michigan boat launches and township marinas. Dates to be decided but may be timed to coincide with the No Power to Power - Sail, Paddle and Row Show on Saturday August 19. This event showcases the history of wooden sailing boats on the Great Lakes and is a magnet for small boat owners who display and sail, paddle and row them on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay.
Contact Mark Wisdom if interested