Cuba

[justsomeguy]

All we know is that when we presented our exit papers, we were split off and put in two interrogation rooms. They asked where we stayed, who we were with, what we saw, when. how long, etc. Then they asked in a different format and in different ways, they then exchanged interviewers and did it all over again. I played stupid and no Spanish, and I think it helped. Anyhow, after they conferred a few times, they cut us loose. We speculated that maybe they thought my wife was a Cuban that stole a passport, or they wanted to catch us staying in an illegal room, or they somehow thought we were infiltrators somehow (we both had had some political past) or??? Anyhow, as you can imagine, my wife being a political refugee once, that was frightening and I doubt we'll be back. Her half sisters have dual citizenship, so half of them have left the county since for Central America. They have started their own businesses there, worked their rears off and doing well.

Thanks.

 

[woodster]

JSG just sitting here wondering how you gonna sail from Tucson to Cuber?

 

[justsomeguy]

I think we're gonna need a bigger boat.

 

[woodster]

I think we're gonna need a bigger boat.

now ya talkin

 

[Rich Stidger]

This gets into political discussion, but I wouldn't go there. It seems to me that all tourism, no matter who participates, is restricted. Proceeds benefit an oppressive regime. Why would you want to support their government when your tourism does nothing to support the people of that land? Where you stay and spend your money is directed by an oppressive government. You have no freedoms when you go there.

+1

 

[gettinthere]

Instead of trying to imagine what a paradise Cuba is, find a Cuban immigrant and ask them what it's like. We have 3 that work in our company and say they won't return until the Castros are gone. Bad enough to risk their lives to escape. Some of their family didn't make it.

+1

I read somewhere, maybe 10 years back, that at one point Fidel was the richest man in the world. Not sure of the veracity of that...

 

[justsomeguy]

Therefore, we shouldn't seek to repair these issues, much less talk about them.

Got it.

 

[RECESS]

Cuba is not much different than Jamaica. The resorts are plush and the guests are treated great. Go to the wrong areas and you are taking your chances. Cuba has been a cruising destination for many people except US citizens the whole time the embargo has been going on. I am in no hurry to go.

 

[justsomeguy]

...Go to the wrong areas and you are taking your chances....

Same thing here in Tucson.

 

[sailnoproblem]

Bucket List

Just a quick reply. Cuba has been on my bucket list for some time, and I hope to get there. Maybe now I can. As for the politics I really don't care.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Well, it looks like changes are really going to happen. If Cubans benefit from tourism, I'm all for it. I'm skeptical (has Canadian and European travel improved life for Cubans at all?), but over time, it's hard not to believe that positive change for Cubans will result. I don't think that embargo and hostility between Cuba and USA has done any good. Why not change course? I'll keep an open mind.

 

[RichH]

US citizens have been cruising to Cuba for quite some time ... under the radar, that is. The most common way is not to travel directly between the two countries; but, ALWAYS to and from an intermediate country in between.

There are VERY few places that one can legally anchor ... only one or two quite run-down 'marinas'. One must continually contact and gain approval from 'the Guarda' each and every time the boat is moved, even to re-anchor. Leaving from one area for another - one must have approval from 'the Guarda' and they have absolutely no concept of 'weather windows' and the intracacies of travel needs of a cruising boat. Cuba remains an inconsistent 'bureaucratic hell' for cruisers & that probably wont change even with more open diplomatic relations.
There's many other places to go 'cruising'. If you really want to experience the 'wonderful' Cuban culture, go to South Florida or the very remote (and totally 'on your own') far southern Bahamas - Acklins, Jumentos, Mayaguanas, etc..

 

[Chief RA]

I read sometime last year that retired military were still advised not to go to Cuba. For example: I was involved in the "Bay of Pigs" support while stationed in Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico. They might not like me!
Hope it changes as I would love to go!
Chief

 

[pateco]

Several years ago (over 10) the sailing club I belonged to got permission, and held a race from Key west to Havana. I was unable to make it for the race since I couldn't take that amount of time off from work, but they returned with great stories, and a real appreciation for the island and its people.

My only trips to Cuba were work related, to the base at GITMO, so I have not seen the island proper. However, even GITMO was beautiful.

Living in South Florida, I look forward to being able to sail there myself sometime in the future.

 

[YVRguy]

Even though diplomatic relations are being restored, there will be no US tourism in Cuba until the Helms-Burton law is repealed. I believe the current administration in the US has set the stage for that to happen but not sure what congress will do with that, although I have my suspicions.

I have been to Cuba and stayed in Havana the whole time. It was an amazing trip. Not long ago my GF gave me a book called "Sailing to Hemingway's Cuba" which I thoroughly enjoyed as it brought back memories. You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Hemingways-Cuba-Dave-Schaefer/dp/1574091107

 

[Ron20324]

There is a group ( don't know the name off hand) that a friend went on last year to Cuba- a "musical-cultural-educational" trip. She said it was, indeed, regimented by the federals, but was still a nice trip.

 

[Benny17441]

All political stuff aside, I have always wanted to sail to Cuba. The idea of doing that has intrigued me for many years.. I have sailed to Mexico, on the west side of the Gulf, and I've wanted to go to Cuba on the east side of the Gulf. The food and culture and sights (and great cigars) have interested me for years .. along with the Hemingway tales. Looks like we may get a chance in a few years.

I second the feeling. I have sat at anchor in the Dry Tortugas, just a skip and a jump, from the Cuban coast wondering about the day I could raise anchor and be over there the following morning. They have fantastic beaches, good food, good music and a happy outlook on life. Unfortunately tourism travel will take some time to sort out but it will come.

 

[Benny17441]

Go ahead and Google "Havana Cup Regatta". It started in 1930 when 11 wooden boats sailed from Tampa, FL to Havana. It was interrupted in 1959 for the revolution and reinstated in 1996 for a couple of years. In 1997 more than 500 boats left various ports in Florida to congregate at Marina Hemingway. The dockage was sponsored by the Marina and the sailors carried their own food and beer. Nobody believed that more than a few dollars were not dropped around Havana and subsequently our Government coerced the organizers into canceling the event. Hopefully it may be reinstated in a few years.

 

[Terry in Naples]

Not too many years ago,several sailors went on this trip to Havana again. They started in Tampa but boats jumped in from several towns on the way down the coast. Most made the trip with no problems but if i recall correctly the Feds arrested the two organizers and jailed them. This went on for months ( maybe years) before a resolution. Since then no one has dared start it up again. There have also been instances where returning boats were boarded and confiscated while searches were made to make sure they did not have any Cuban items. ( especially cigars) which would mean confiscation of the vessel, fines and maybe imprisonment. Many here felt this was overkill and the flotillas claimed they were taking humanitarian supplies to Cuba.
Recently a sailor was arrested in Cuba who took his Children there on his sailboat. He was divorced and did have custody. He and the children were remitted back to the USA. We still hear stories of strong willed sailors still entering and leaving Cuba on the QT. Occasionally a boat will find Cubans on rafts or boats trying desperately to get to US soil. Wet feet/ dry feet determines if they get to stay.

 

[Meriachee]

Is this the point in the discussion where the Canadians get to say something like "oh, you Americans". I don't know if you guys have noticed it or not, but even crossing the border between us and you of late is a pita. And that's not to suggest that it's one way. Our guys can be as much of a pita as yours. (Don't ask me how I know) Cuba is no different than any other of the dots it lies close to. Not bad to visit. Outside the resort, they're pretty much all the same.