Sailing to Cuba from US ?

[kitefish]

has anyone sailed to Cuba, Havana, lately from the US?
Any updates on whether the US pursues hassling US cruisers who want to go to check out Cuba, thanks.

From what I understand the Cubans generally welcome US sailing vessels and don't stamp the passports of US citizens.

[skipmac]

A good friend went a few years ago when there was a temporary lull in the enforcement. Basically exploiting a theoretical loophole in the regs that a cruiser was not spending money in Cuba which is the actual ban. Travel is not banned specifically, you just cannot contribute to the Cuban economy.

Have not heard of any US citizens going recently but a couple of years back I heard that several who tried it were penalized. I would wait a year or so as it seems like the situation is changing.

[Unicorn Dreams]

If the rules have not changed, it always used to be you couldn't go directly to Cuba, NO TRAVEL DIRECTLY from the US to Cuba.
Spin by the Bahama's and go to Cuba. Like I said, that's the way it used to be, but things change

[skipmac]

Detouring through another country has always been just a way to bypass the restrictions. Never made it "legal" for a US citizen to visit Cuba, just somewhat disguised the end destination.

[GordMay]

The Cuba Run
A Cultural Exchange Event for Beach Cats
November 12 - 15, 2010
Key West, Florida to Cuba and back

This is a Beach Catamaran event combining two long distance open ocean legs and one full day of Sailing instruction for Cuban Youth Sailors. The two open ocean legs, each an event unto itself consist of 95.66 Nautical Miles from start to finish.

Goto ➥ The Cuba Run | Google Groups

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES FOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS TO ENGAGE IN TRAVEL-RELATED TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING CUBA
Goto ➥ http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforce...uba_tr_app.pdf

In the news:

The U.S. Congress will most likely lift a five-decades-old embargo on Cuba before the end of 2010
➥ U.S. lawmaker sees Cuba embargo gone by late 2010 | Politics | Reuters

US Chamber of Commerce Supports Lifting Trade Embargo on Cuba
➥ VOA News - US Chamber of Commerce Supports Lifting Trade Embargo on Cuba

[Hud3]

More on the Cuba Run right here on CF.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...0-a-26128.html

[marineruscg]

From what I've read, relations between the US and Cuba seem to be 'dicussable' within our government. I expect we'll be able go to Cuba legally in the next year or two. I'd suggest we contact our 'leaders' in congress to push for better relations with Cuba but I'd rather they focus on more important issues for now

[Jennybug]

When we get our boat we have plans on going to Cuba. Would have gone last year if the airfare hadnt been outrageous. I found this site - might be helpful. I say "If the Canadian's visit, so can we."
http://www.bootkeyharbor.com/Hemingway.htm