Bobthebuilder's next adventure - Key West to Havana, Cuba

[Bobthebuilder]

Well it's been 4 months since the Bahamas trip so it's time for a new adventure with something a little out of the ordinary. 12 years ago I first set out for Cuba but heavy seas forced us to turn back. It has been on my mind ever since and if all goes as planned on Thurs. Sept. 17th we will again be heading south to an island that many of us are curious about. We hope to return to Key West / Marco Island on Sunday the 20th.

On Wed. I will run Team PREDATOR down to Key West from Marco Island, and settle in at the Galleon Marina. My all Canadian crew will fly into Key West from Toronto that evening. Weather provided, we will then leave for Havana by mid morning. It is only 110 miles, so 2 hrs. should do it unless sea conditions slow us down. Right now the long range forecast looks favorable and we will continue to monitor the weather daily. Our destination will be Marina Hemingway which is on the west side of Havana.

I have called US Customs in both Ft. Lauderdale and Key West and they have confirmed that as long as we are CAN citizens and my boat is a CAN vessel, there is no problem. I was informed that any goods we purchase must remain aboard the vessel until it's return to Canada. I have made a decision not to bring anything back on this initial trip to avoid any problems. So for all my friends hoping for Cuban cigars and mojito's – so sorry !! LOL On checking with the US Coast Guard I was informed that Customs makes the rules so if it's OK with them, they have no problem.

As with the Cancun and Bahamas trips we will bring our GPS tracker “SPOT” along and you will be able to follow our progress. Just click on any of the three links below and it will show you where we are including our arrival in Cuba. At this time it shows my location in Waterloo, ON, CAN until I get back south.

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/f...sE2u07mrnqoRxF

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/f...ly2AzdZ0PkL5Vq

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/f...JmyDqovnSUPtQy

Follow us along and I will post pictures and tell all about our next adventure on our return and as I am able along the way.

Bob

[Bobthebuilder]

Recently I have been reading up on Cuba to try and get some idea what to expect. I have had a Cuban cruising guide for years now but more recently was given a Cuban Insight Guide published by Discovery Channel. What a resource that has proven to be. It covers their history, culture, the arts, music, cuisine, colonial architecture (that fascinates me), and it's emergence from isolationism. And yes, “politics” as well. I think you will understand that I can not venture into discussion on that subject until my safe return. I just hope they will tolerate a Canadian capitalist for a few days.

Here is an excerpt from the Discover Channel Guide that is worth sharing and may help some understand my desire to go and see Cuba:

“ It is difficult to be unemotional about Cuba. This Caribbean island thrills the senses, befuddles the mind, and tugs at the heart. It is a magical place, full of romantic images: conga drums pounding late into the night; spicy roast pork and sweet dark rum; baseball, ballet, and dazzling nightclubs; quick conversation spiked with wicked humor; people who are warm, expressive and affectionate; music emanating from every window – all enveloped within the aroma of hand – rolled cigars.
There are also more somber images of Cuba:” ....... and so on.

[cosmic12]

Sounds like a great trip, I wasn't aware that you could just criuse in and outa there.
Good Luck and we all look forward to the story.

[Bobthebuilder]

Sounds like a great trip, I wasn't aware that you could just criuse in and outa there.
Good Luck and we all look forward to the story.

American citizens are not allowed unless they get an exemption from the US which is hard to get. We are required to stop 12 miles offshore and request permission on our VHF to enter Cuban territorial waters. Probably a good idea anyway as I don't know how they would react to a boat like ours approaching at a relatively high rate of speed. I guess if they say no ( which I doubt ) we will turn around and hang in Key West for the weekend. I can handle that. LOL

[Steve 1]

Sounds like a great trip, I wasn't aware that you could just criuse in and outa there.
Good Luck and we all look forward to the story.

Canadians have had a relationship with the Cuban Government for a long while.

[Airpacker]

Hey Bob, make sure you pack a spare prop

[Bobthebuilder]

Hey Bob, make sure you pack a spare prop

1 left, 1 right. Nor Tech will be stowing on the boat tomorrow. Not sure if your comment is in reference to my throwing a blade Saturday at PBBC Rice Lake run on the Donzi or having broke 2 props w the Nor Tech. Anyway we are prepared for it.
Bob

[catastrophe]

Neat trip pal. Good luck with it all.

Glad you came Saturday.

[jayboat]

Have a great trip, Bob! I am so bummed that I can't make this one.

Cuba, and specifically Havana, has been at the top of my list for a very long time. As soon as it is legal for Americans to go there, I am outta here for a couple of weeks. To me, there is no more interesting place for a photo vacation that is that close than Cuba.

Don't forget your camera, either.

[boatme]

Good Luckk Bob sounds like another EXCELENT ADVENTURE

[Top Banana]

Bob ....Rocky Aoki and Errol Lanier took the Cougar cat on a record run from Key West to Havana back in 79 or so.

Don't remember the details too well, but I know it was rough enough for them to lose the engine hatches on the way over.

The boat they used, the former Yellowdrama is below. Rocky also used it that year to win his own Benihana race in NJ.

Wishing you the best of luck and lots of smooth water on your run.

[Expensive Date]

Sounds like a great trip would also like to go there once its legal.

[Bobthebuilder]

Bob ....Rocky Aoki and Errol Lanier took the Cougar cat on a record run from Key West to Havana back in 79 or so.

Don't remember the details too well, but I know it was rough enough for them to lose the engine hatches on the way over.

The boat they used, the former Yellowdrama is below. Rocky also used it that year to win his own Benihana race in NJ.

Wishing you the best of luck and lots of smooth water on your run.

Interesting and thank you,Charlie. Do you have any idea of the time? I will see if it is in my copy of John Crouse's book when I get back to FL on Tuesday. With it being in range for gas boats, I gave no thought to trying for a "record breaking" time on this run.

[PARADOX]

Good luck Bob. Will be watching your track. Don't go too fast.. look out for the "rafters" going North.

[Wobble]

Once again, I am envious. That would be such a cool trip and very few have done so legally.

Make sure spot is on so we can vicariously enjoy the trip.

[Ted]

A lot of cruiser type boats make the run by bringing "humanitarian" supplies over and getting an exemption. Apparently it is not that hard to do but will cost you a case of #2 pencils or kids notebooks. Sounds like a great time Bob, be safe and take pics

[Bobthebuilder]

A lot of cruiser type boats make the run by bringing "humanitarian" supplies over and getting an exemption. Apparently it is not that hard to do but will cost you a case of #2 pencils or kids notebooks. Sounds like a great time Bob, be safe and take pics

We want to do something "humanitarian" for the Cuban people (not the government) without getting caught up in US bureaucratic red tape. We are still trying to figure out how to do this as we do not want to be in violation of the US trade embargo. I'm looking into making a donation to the Cuban Red Cross or other type agency where benefit will flow to the Cuban people. We will get it figured out.

[dykstra]

Good Luck on your trip. I'm jealous!

[Member: 541]

Another great adventure and I wish you safe travels, take lots of pics we'll be waiting for a safe return.

Spent a week there a month ago, beautiful country (gov't sucks) that has been stuck in the a time warp. It has the best beaches I have ever been in, felt like they were untouched. The people don't have anything, yet they will give you their shirts of their backs.

The government caters to and bends over backwards towards Europeans and Canadian tourists, so you should have no issues. My only concern is a Predator going up and down the coast without catching the attention of the Cuban military/Coast guard. I did not see any pleasure boat the entire week I was there.

Take Euro's and exchange them on the island for Cuban currency, because you will be taxed 20% on the U.S dollar.

Be careful with the coral reefs!!

Don't forget the snokel/scuba gear (lobster everywhere)

Question:
**Why not go into Varadero, much nicer marina with lots of resorts??

Once again, I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to a safe return.
I'll try to post pics, later...apologies on the long post.

[Ratickle]

Be careful Bob, best of luck.