Thinking Cuba ? Think Again !

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

"Applications may take over a year to process" (from the website)

"... so make sure you plan for your visit far enough in advance."

Cruisers would be well advised that visiting a foreign country is a privilege that country may grant us (or not). We hope to be guests in the countries to which we cruise.

[lolanreg@smartc]

Thank Heavens you'all will have your chance soon, but do ask the other contenders what their attitude will be after the election.Get together and do a protest or something. We got rid of our Axxxhole and his gov. in Oz last year.

[easterly]

Ok, 4 year old thread. How many people have lost their boats to this "law" in the last 4 years?
None?
Anybody???

[SV So Comfort]

So has anyone known of anyone (won't ask if you have) in the last couple of years that has sailed to Cuba from the Caribbean??

[Caribsailors]

Sailed there last March for a week. Sailed from Cayman to Cienfuegos.

Canadian Flagged vessel, no problems, great people, great country, can't wait to return.

Would love to get lost there for a few years.

Cheers

[Caribsailors]

I believe the thread is about Cuba? I may get slapped again here, but I think it's being high jacked by a couple.

Cheers

[phiggins]

My buddy and I sailed there a few years ago (2005-2006) from Florida. He is an American I'm Canadian. This summer he delivered a power boat to Central America via Cuba from Florida. No problems.

We also had a great time in Cuba. We are going there again next year.

I've asked many times on these forums if anyone has a first hand account of losing there boat or even being fined and never got a response.

An American friend of ours went to Cuba a few years ago and upon returning admitted he went to Cuba to the authorities. He got a letter a few months later saying he was being fined. He ignored it and subsequent letters in which they gradually reduced the fine. Eventually they stopped bothering him.

Hopefully Obama will drop this ridiculous embargo of Cuba but it will never be the same afterwards. I'm glad I went there before it happens.

[s/v Moondancer]

I had to go into Cuba as an emergency 3 yrs ago with a boat I was delivering to Belize...No wind, no engine and leaking water tanks. The US patrol planes spent 15 minutes photographing the boat when we were 20 miles out and the Coast Guard, when asked, advised against the visit. However, I had drifted into Cuban waters and there was no safe or sensible option but to continue the drift towards land. in 3 knots of wind from the north. Drifting onto the Cay Sal Banks was not an option. The Cubans were truely helpful, a Cuban Naval Officer even got us a the mechanics and helped us dock.

Just wait until Obama starts detante...certainly the Cubans will greet you with open arms. However, don't go to Havana harbor, it is so toxic your boat might disolve! Marina Hemingway, about 10 miles west is delightful as are the immigration officials.

[Brent Swain]

I just saw a poll of expat Cubans living in Floriduh that said 70% support dropping the embargo. Sounds like a turning point . High time.
Brent

[GordMay]

2007 FIU Cuba Poll: Tabulation of Questions
The poll was conducted in March among 1,000 randomly selected, Cuban-American respondents in Miami-Dade County by the Institute for Public Opinion Research and the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University, in association with the Brookings Institution. It showed that 65 percent of respondents support dialogue with the Cuban government and that some 53 percent support unrestricted travel by U.S. citizens to Cuba.
For the full results of the poll, see:
2007 FIU/Cuba Poll

[GordMay]

See the May 2009 issue of “Southwinds” magazine, page 40, for an article on “Travels to Cuba” (part 2 of 3)
➥ http://www.southwindsmagazine.com/pd...ndsmay2009.pdf

[Chief Engineer]

Why do people want to go to a country that others are desperately trying to leave?

Why do you want to support a communist country with your dollars...Canadian or otherwise?

[TaoJones]

Okay, before this thread starts down that treacherous path and the strong emotions it can arouse, let's all do our best to leave the politics out of it and keep it on sailing and cruising. Thank you.

TaoJones

[sabray]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

Why do people want to go to a country that others are desperately trying to leave?

Why do you want to support a communist country with your dollars...Canadian or otherwise?

I think its about pushing boundaries. As an American I am a result of a great mixing pot. It is not about support of a regime but a willingness to not condemn until I have seen the reality of what I am told. Im not going to Somolia yet.
We can if we travel wisely dilute tension and see each other as cultures with a difference but also a common need. We may even be friends.

[Chief Engineer]

Ok I won't be political...if you want to push that envelope...be my guest.

But don't come running to Uncle Sam when you get locked up down there
or Busted by Homeland Security/USCG