Ron in the OP, and I mentioned the Salty Dawg Rally, which I've only skimmed but I don't see any of that. You leave when you want, you go where you want(they don't all go to the same island or even the same region). I think you're expected to have made other blue water passages but I don't see how that would be enforced.
1No drop dead date-boats leave when then want to.
2You can explore on your own, I see no rules against exploring on your own in this rally.
3And it's free, no cost.
What's the harm?