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 three 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 three local chapters are:
  1. Northeast          Coordinator: Harald Hefel
  2. Pacific Northwest              Coordinator: Marty Loken
  3. Chesapeake Shallow Water Sailors             Coordinator: Bob McMichael
​Members in other areas may also be planning ad hoc events, e.g. in the Great Lakes and the Southeast
​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.

2025 plans

DCA President to visit the USA

​To celebrate 70 years of the DCA, North American members have invited Roger Barnes, President of the DCA,  to visit them and take part in a number of events.  He will be in America from 19 June - 18 July.  On 27-28 June Roger will be at the Boat Show in Mystic, Connecticut undertaking various   speaking and skills demonstration events. From 6-11 July he will be teaching at the Wooden Boat School in  Brooklin, Maine.  Roger will also meet and sail with members in the Northeast and Chesapeake  Chapters.
SOUTHEAST
5  April             Lake Keowee
Launch at South Cove County Park in Seneca for an informal messabout.   Meet up at one of the beaches on Marshman’s Paradise (Duke Power island #3) at around 10:00.   More details in the Forum.
GREAT LAKES
1-3 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
2-5 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 40th Meet this year.