Eight Bells: Linda Knowles

Linda Knowles

Linda Marie Knowles, Co-Founder of the Salty Dawg Rally, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in her home in Vero Beach, FL on November 14, 2020. She was 71 years old.

Born in Buffalo, NY and raised in Eden, NY, she was a devoted wife of 36 years to her husband William (Bill) P. Knowles. They spent the last 15 years living on their sailboat Sapphire, cruising from the Northeast to the Caribbean each year. During this time, they founded the Salty Dawg Rally in 2011.

The organization has grown to become the Salty Dawg Sailing Association (SDSA), one of the premier sailing associations in the world, with over 800 members and many events each year. Linda served as Vice President from 2013 until her death. The ocean became their home, and the Salty Dawgs her passion.

Linda had a successful career in finance, working for several different companies over the span of her career. Settling in Barrington, RI, she retired and took to the sea with Bill. She loved to cook and spent hours in the kitchen while making the most delicious meals. She also loved reading and it is no surprise that the magical, mystical Harry Potter books were among her favorites.

A Celebration of Life was held virtually on December 5, with family and friends.

The family has requested in memory of Linda Marie Knowles and her passion for helping sailors and the communities they visit, that donations be made to the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, at the following link https://www.saltydawgsailing.org/donations/.

Hosting blue water rallies in the U.S. and Caribbean is one of the SDSA’s specialties. Each rally is an opportunity for sailors to cruise-in-company, with the safety, camaraderie, and passage-preparation assistance that a rally can provide. Meet new friends and re-unite with old ones. Kids and pets are welcome.

The SDSA unites experienced ocean sailors with developing cruisers to broaden their blue water horizons. All Salty Dawg rallies and events are led by seasoned sailors who volunteer their time and knowledge to help cruisers realize their dreams. Independent thinkers value the Salty Dawg focus on the importance of each skipper’s role to make the right decisions for his or her boat and crew. To find out more go to https://www.saltydawgsailing.org/.