The DCA has had a longstanding connection with those sailing small boats in the USA.   DCA journal articles were shared regularly with the now discontinued Messing About in Boats and  Points East. We are honoured to have former editors of those publications Bob Hicks and Nim Marsh as Life members of the DCA.  We still share material with Small Craft Advisor to this day.

​​Another connection we have had for a long time is with Hugh Horton  who  keeps us informed about the Cedar Keys Small Boat Meets that take place on the west coast of Florida.   This event is now run by the Traditional Small Craft Association.   We also take an interest in other events that are held in the USA such as the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge, The Texas 200, The Salish 100 and the Race to Alaska all of which feature small boats undertaking the most amazing adventures.
So we have always had members in North America and now numbers are growing all the time. From being a small regional group, we now have four local chapters and more in the pipeline. These groups are planning to hold occasional DCA meets to  
 complement the gatherings that take place under other auspices.   The  four local chapters are:
  1. Northeast          Coordinator: Harald Hefel
  2. Pacific Northwest              Coordinator: Marty Loken
  3. Chesapeake Shallow Water Sailors             Coordinator: Bob McMichael
  4. Western Great Lakes             Coordinator: Ted Johanson

​The  Regional Secretary for North America is Mark Wisdom. If you would like to suggest a DCA rally or ask a question,   please  email  the   Regional Secretaries, specifying that your question concerns North America. 

There is also a  section for North America in the DCA Members' Forum where potential rallies or messabouts can be discussed and arranged. This    section     is also the place to find contact details of those suggesting rally locations and  look for last minute changes  relating to rally plans.  Rally information can also be found in the Facebook group Dinghy Cruising  the Americas.

2026

GREAT LAKES
31 July - 2 August               Raid Erie
RAID ERIE is a 3-day gathering of   Dinghy Cruisers  and other Small Craft enthusiasts, travelling in loose company around the southern islands of Lake Erie, and camping along the way.     Find out more and sign up here:   www.raiderie.net/
FLORIDA
1-3 May                Cedar Key Small Boat Meet
​Cedar Key is the location for an informal gathering of small shallow draft craft of any type, everyone is welcome. There are no fees, no registration and no planned events.   It will be the 41st Meet this year.