So am I gonna be able to sail to cuba! (Legally that is)

[johnmcntsh]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

It is a political problem/issue.

This is a forum about cruising not politics.
Cuba has been a destination cruisers from the U.S. could not enjoy. It seems now we may be able to.
Let's talk about Cuba, not how much someone hates a particular administration

[letsgetsailing3]

I'd guess this would happen rather quickly.

Why wouldn't it?

[Ded reckoner]

Google "statute Cuba embargo". Apparently, there are half a dozen laws on the books that have codified the existing embargo. There are limited legal actions the Administration can take unilaterally. Since we are a law abiding nation, it will be up to the new Congress to modify or rescind those laws.

[Snore]

Wow a classic car nuts ultimate dream!!

[johnmcntsh]

Originally Posted by Snore

Wow a classic car nuts ultimate dream!!

Classic boat and car HEAVEN!!!!

[sailgalkaty]

Darn it! Now we Canadians will have to share beautiful, safe Cuba with you Yanks....am happy though for the potential prosperity the renewed relations with the U.S may bring to this country. Although 'quaint', seeing only 1950's/60's cars, and very basic housing for the general population is rather dismaying. Do not know if Canadians can 'cruise' there yet-have only flown in for resort holidays....

[ontherocks83]

Ok so if Cuba may be on the American list soon, we need to start finding out about how accepting they are when declaring guns. Any non-merkins been to Cuba and have insider info on trying to declare a gun there?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by sailgalkaty

Darn it! Now we Canadians will have to share beautiful, safe Cuba with you Yanks....am happy though for the potential prosperity the renewed relations with the U.S may bring to this country. Although 'quaint', seeing only 1950's/60's cars, and very basic housing for the general population is rather dismaying. Do not know if Canadians can 'cruise' there yet-have only flown in for resort holidays....

Don't get too excited (disappointed?) yet. From what I have learned so far I don't think regular tourism will be allowed. Of course if you're rich and can sign up for one of the outrageously priced cultural tours you can go. Otherwise it's (lack of) business as usual.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

Ok so if Cuba may be on the American list soon, we need to start finding out about how accepting they are when declaring guns. Any non-merkins been to Cuba and have insider info on trying to declare a gun there?

Don't know about guns but they have very strict laws on what anchors you have to use.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I've not been to Cuba, but seeing as how only Americans are prohibited, I think calling it Virgin cruising territory may be a little overstating it?
I want to go too, when it's legal to do so.

Originally Posted by Pete7

Will be destroyed in a decade

So I heard....

From my best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. That the Florida Anchorage Restriction Committee flew down to meet with Raul... I guess it's pretty serious....

[td0tz]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Don't know about guns but they have very strict laws on what anchors you have to use.

Darn. You beat me to it!

[Group9]

Originally Posted by marsters

For some reason another thread on this topic was locked on the grounds that it was unrelated to cruising. Really? One of the world's last virgin cruising areas, 90 miles from Florida, on every cruiser's bucket list? This is worth discussing, but let's keep politics out.

Well, that's kind of hard to do when you are talking about a Communist dictatorship, that remains one of the most repressive on the planet.

If you are willing to go along with the rules:
1. No unauthorized commerce with the common Cuban citizens;
2. No trying to help them escape;
3. No trying to help them establish any kind of communication with the outside word;
then, you're right, it's a great place to go have a good time.

Knock yourself out.

[marlinespike]

Canadians have been sailing to Cuba since 1992 with no problems what so ever upon returning to the USA. Though nothing changes for now with Obama normalizing relations the writing is on the wall. American's will be sailing there next season...I bet a dinghy load of lobster on it.

However, Cuba has a long way to go before its infrastructure is intact and certainly the miniscule marine infrastructure will be the last thing they think about. So next year you will still need to prepare thoroughly for an extended cruise to Cuba.

Since not many on this forum are familiar with the newest Cruising Guide to Cuba (2013 full colour) I suggest getting a copy to read ahead of time as it has so much information that will help you understand what cruising in Cuba is like today and just how important it is to sail there well prepared.
There is a lot of cruising information on their website and details on the Cuba guides (there are 2 in the series). Cruise Cuba, current planning and advice for sailing to Cuba

Marlinespike

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by marlinespike

Though nothing changes for now with Obama normalizing relations...

Obama has not normalized relationships with Cuba, much as some people would like you to believe that he has. He can't. It will take an act of Congress to do that, and they haven't exactly been giving Obama everything he wants lately.

All he has done is normalize DIPLOMATIC relations. That means that we will have an embassy in Cuba, and they will have an embassy here. That's it. Nothing more. No meaningful change to the economic embargo, or to any of the rules related to U.S. citizens visiting Cuba.

As a symbolic gesture this is big, but it is ONLY a symbolic gesture. Nothing really meaningful will--or can--happen until Congress acts. My bet is that they won't do anything before the 2016 presidential election.

[garrobito]

..humm... cuban girls + salsa + varadero beach = great party time!!!