Sailing to Cuba

[JeffSwans]

Hello all,
I have a navigation question regarding going to Cuba. The gulf stream runs between Key West and Havana but I am struggling to find info on the velocity and/or figure out the best line of sail. Most of the online info I found seem to deal with powerboats.

It seems as though sailing straight line from KW to Havana will take you more than 90* into the current of the GS, which seems like a hard slog.

I would like to avoid going all motor if at all possible. It seems that it might improve things to swing west to the Marquesas and go from there? Is Marathon even viable to consider?

I have crossed to Bimini, and heading 30* south of the intended course will get you across the Gulf Stream there, although it requires a S or SW wind to make the trip enjoyable. Seems that a steady easterly is not a rare event in the Keys, and that would make a nice reach to Havana.

I make 6 knots on a good day. Thinking that 24-36 hours might just do it. Anybody have any experience with that stretch of water?
Thanks

 

[Benny17441]

I think your assessment is on the money but you may be over estimating the Florida Current as it flows between the Florida Western Keys and Cuba. The Atlantic winds have not yet influenced it before it turns into the Gulfstream current. The speed of the current may vary but on the average it could be around 2 knots. A sustained window of easterly winds would be desirable. I would motor sail only when needed to keep up a target speed. A crossing of inside 18 hours with favorable conditions is not unheard off. Leave early in the evening and get there before noon.

 

[Rick D]

Sounds like great fun. No navigation pointers here. However, I would suggest some preparation in regard to the Cuban coastal patrol. I had a long conversation with a fellow who participated in a motor yacht rally to Havana. The Harbor Master at Hemmingway had cautioned against paying any "fee" to the coastal patrol. Well, they shook down several of the boats for varying amounts. So, probably the first thing is to be pretty firm with a NO and tell them the authorities said so. But, I'd have some cash aside and stash the rest as a last resort. Don't look to wealthy. You know, like the old days in Mexico.
We went to Santiago (Guantanamo area) about ten years ago. Visiting my wife's half-sisters. Cubans are terrific people. They have their quirks just like everyone. Of course you know that unless things changed, you can't use credit cards. We took about a thousand Euros since the exchange was more favorable. Have fun!