Trip to Cuba

[rancher44]

We are looking at sailing to Cuba the first 2 weeks of Nov.
I know a lot has been posted on this topic but I was wondering if anyone has up to date info on this subject .
We are trying to check with the state dept on issues and hopefully we can get some firm info .
I have heard of several Americans traveling by boat visiting Cuba

I f we get clearance is there any one out there that would be interested joining, with, your boat , a group of boats going to Cuba for a couple of weeks?

[marisleonardo]

Originally Posted by rancher44

We are looking at sailing to Cuba the first 2 weeks of Nov.
I know a lot has been posted on this topic but I was wondering if anyone has up to date info on this subject .
We are trying to check with the state dept on issues and hopefully we can get some firm info .
I have heard of several Americans traveling by boat visiting Cuba

I f we get clearance is there any one out there that would be interested joining, with, your boat , a group of boats going to Cuba for a couple of weeks?

Hi am going next season, leaving from bvi, dont think i can make November, maybe Feb or March

[travellerw]

I called the Key West check in office to inquire in April. I was told "We do not allow boats coming from Cuba. It does NOT matter if there are no Americans aboard"

Based on that information, I went to Mexico first. Not sure if I would have had issues, but I didn't want to risk it.

[marisleonardo]

In the recent past the Cubans will not stamp a US passport, but will stamp a loose piece of paper, of which you return to them upon leaving. 60 days is usually the max stay...also then return to another country other than Yanke land

[Rocketman]

Rancher44, PM me, and I will give you my phone number. I just got back from Cuba and had a great time, I may be interested in going again, buddy boat. I would be happy to share my experiences with you.

[tomritter]

We are planning on going to Cuba this November. Have you had any luck connecting with fellow travelers ?

[rancher44]

Well there is a group planning a race from Pennscola Fl to Cuba the end of Oct . They will not let us join the race on the way and since we are in the Ft myers Area it is just to much time to sail up to them to start .
I have talked to boaters that just go to cuba and they don't seem to have any problems , Personally I don't want to go unless the the embargo is lifted .
So to answer your question Not really.

[makana]

I've been working on the paper work to legally visit Cuba with our boat this coming winter.

Two separate Governmental offices are requiring a permit for US citizens to legally visit Cuba aboard a personal vessel. The US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control Cuba Sanctions ). They issue licenses to applicants who fall within one of the “twelve categories of specified activities”. This is the permit necessary for the crew to have for visiting Cuba. The Bureau of Industry and Security, BIS (BIS Licensing ) will require an export permit for your vessel. Both of these offices have a web based registration and permitting system and the applications can be completed simultaneously. Their web sites are not the easiest to navigate and will take you some time to figure out.

I've receive the OK from OFAC and hope to get the OK from BIS this week. I initiated the process the end of May.

Cheers, Rick

[truckman]

I too would like to take my boat to Cuba this winter, but as of yet have been unable to find an insurance company that will cover my vessel if I were to travel to Cuba. Has anyone been able to get coverage or do people just take the risk and travel knowing they are no longer insured for loss or liability?

[travellerw]

Check with a Canadian insurer (Dolphin Insurance in Vancouver). They had no problem covering me in Cuba.... But be prepaired as its not cheap.

I'm not sure if they will insure a non-Canadian!

[markpierce]

What is with this fanatical attraction to Cuba? Tropical islands are a dime a dozen if one is fascinated with hot, humid destinations. What's so special with Cuba?

[FSMike]

Anytime you're told you can't go somewhere it makes it more interesting.

[Wakey]

I want to see Cuba while it still looks and feels like Cuba. Before it gets Key Wested if you know what I mean..

From what I have seen on recent videos it is dilapidated but that is fine with me.

I like the old buildings, it appears to be suspended in time.

Some friends of my father made a girls trip there, they brought a Russian merc type as a bodyguard. They had a blast.


Posted from my buggy iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum app

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by markpierce

What is with this fanatical attraction to Cuba? Tropical islands are a dime a dozen if one is fascinated with hot, humid destinations. What's so special with Cuba?

The people! Amazing people who still have the help your neighbour mentality.

I'm not sure why anyone would feel the need to hire a bodygaurd. I have never felt more safe than when I was in Cuba. Heck we even picked up "hitchikers" in our rental car. Although Havana may be different as I didn't go there!

[Jason Flare]

Someone said, "See Cuba before it becomes like everywhere else."

I chuckled at the truth in that.