I was watching these guys' videolog of their bike trip across Cuba http://www.esquire.com/features/2000/april/cuba/index.html and in one of the clips they showed a marina full of boats from the USA and said that because of a loophole in U.S. law, it is legal for citizens to go to Cuba under their own means, they just cannot PAY anyone to take them there. So I started fantasizing about a Key West to Cuba kayak trip. Not that I am skilled enough to do it, but I just wondered if anyone else has. It's only 90 miles. A strong paddler could do it in 2-3 days I imagine. I would think a two paddler excursion would be best so one paddler could sleep while the other, tethered with a tow rope, keeps them on course. Would the Gulf Stream be a big factor? Bob Matter Freezing under 3' of snow in NW Indiana and thinking about a big plate of roast pork, yellow rice, black beans, onions, Spanish bean soup, and Cuban bread. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 01-01-04 13:04:54 EST, rjmatter_at_PRODIGY.NET writes: << Bob Matter Freezing under 3' of snow in NW Indiana and thinking about a big plate of roast pork, yellow rice, black beans, onions, Spanish bean soup, and Cuban bread. >> Suggest you come to Miami...there's plenty of all this yummy food in Little Havana:) Of course, you might want to wait a week or so....it was 50 deg F at 10 am and we're expected to reach the mid to upper 30s tonight. Sheesh, I'll be glad when this winter is over. sandy kramer who is wondering why Mad Poodle hasn't been helping me ...perhaps the cold has got him! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi All, I am back on line. I sailed to Cuba last summer. Key West- Havana (Marina Hemmingway) 18 mi +/- W of Havana. Under the auspices of the Havana Yacht Club. We had to fax our passport data to the USCG for permission to enter Cuba direct. We received a stamp of approval in about 15 minutes. Everyone made us very welcome. I have sailed all my life, I've kayaked about 8 years. There is NO WAY I would want to kayak in the waters between Key West and Cuba. At night we had good 10 ft. seas then we had a little squall. Not really uncomfortable but we were in a 48 ft. sailboat with all the bells and whistles. Yes Bob, the Gulfstream is a very big factor, to say nothing of the shipping lanes. I met some locals in kayaks that I really wanted to try as they were very strange looking, but the paddlers were not allowed to get out of the water near the marina, the authorities are afraid they might try to stow away I guess. So I took pictures. I had been to Cuba a lot as a child but had a number of surprises during this visit. I was prepared for the deteriorating buildings and poverty, but what I hadn't expected was the change of the national personality. In the old days the Cuban people didn't walk, they sort of danced, no, not dance exactly, but they moved with such a happy rhythm you just had to smile. An soon even the stiff Americans acquired that happy gait. Now the Cubans, even with the Russians gone, seem to march. And don't look for the Buena Vista Social Club either, ain't no such thing. The Cubans can't afford restaurants and clubs. But with the severe life today's Cubans endure there is a certain visual nobility to them. It's a beautiful country, I would like to dive its shores but we weren't allowed to due to customs regs. I could go on and on but I must say that SANDY gave you the best advice: Go to Miami, food is better and cheaper, music is better, and these Cubans still know how to smile and cha-cha. Pat Moss > > http://www.esquire.com/features/2000/april/cuba/index.html . Would the Gulf Stream be a big factor? > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed > here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire > responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. > Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net > Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>Regards to a crossing to Cuba Bob Matter wrote; > Would the Gulf Stream be a big factor? The Gulf Stream with the combination of the opposing Atlantic swells and the prevailing easterly winds would be a big factor. Not to mention the major shipping traffic in the Gulf having only two entrances / exits to the Gulf, the Straits of Florida and the Yucatan Channel. It is my understanding that a good part of the ship traffic is traveling approx. 25 miles off the coast of Key West. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> > > I had been to Cuba a lot as a child but had a number of surprises during > this visit. I was prepared for the deteriorating buildings and poverty, but > what I hadn't expected was the change of the national personality. In the > old days the Cuban people didn't walk, they sort of danced, no, not dance > exactly, but they moved with such a happy rhythm you just had to smile. An > soon even the stiff Americans acquired that happy gait. Now the Cubans, even > with the Russians gone, seem to march. And don't look for the Buena Vista > Social Club either, ain't no such thing. The Cubans can't afford restaurants > and clubs. But with the severe life today's Cubans endure there is a certain > visual nobility to them. > > It's a beautiful country, I would like to dive its shores but we weren't > allowed to due to customs regs. I could go on and on but I must say that > SANDY gave you the best advice: Go to Miami, food is better and cheaper, > music is better, and these Cubans still know how to smile and cha-cha. > Pat Moss > I'd have to agree with Pat. I spent a little over two weeks in Gibara, Cuba this summer. It's a beautiful little fishing town on the NE coast, just north of Holguin. Someday, Cuba will be a wonderful place to paddle, but right now, I'm not so sure. Yes, Cuba's waters are beautiful and the people are friendly, but sun and fun tourism (even kayaking) just seems a little inappropriate given the way people have to live there. I'm not against tourism necessarily, but tourism alone isn't going to do much for most Cubans. Someday, hopefully soon.... Steve Posti *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Larry and all No, no, no, the Cubans couldn't care less about US permission. The request was made about a month before we left FL. The request was accompanied by a letter from Club Nautico International Hemingway de La Habana with a formal invitation etc. That along with each yachts US Document, crew lists, passport data requested US permission. Blue Water Books has a sheet of info re: the approach as well as general regulations for entering Cuban Waters. When we were approaching 5 miles of the outer marker I called The marina on the VHF in my not so great Spanish and was cleared to the mark in standard "radio Spanish". About 5 minutes later a most charming voice( somewhat resembling a cruise director) said "Welcome to Cuba, we are happy you have come to visit". "I will give you good instructions so you don't hit the dangerous rocks" Clearing customs took almost 4 hours. The yacht was inspected every time a new official came on board, Police ( some stupid person had a 357 and had it confiscated, "you will have no need of violent weapons in our country")It was returned when we left. Immigration considerately asked if we preferred not to have our passports stamped, we thanked them and had our stamp on a scrap of paper. Customs took about an hour and had three beers. Dept. of Agriculture is quite concerned that no American bring in any chicken, either fresh or frozen as America has an aviary disease that they don't have a lot of other stuff. They will seal this stuff in a special plastic bag which must be declared upon leaving,,(or else). There is a huge chain that goes from one side of the channel to the other along the bottom with a huge gear to crank it up if they want to stop boats from leaving. Believe me, nothing will get past that chain. When we reached our dock we were greeted by a pretty young woman in uniform serving us our first, (of many) Mojitos. .The paddlers I spoke about were from the country or something, I couldn't understand a word they said. It took a long time to understand that they were allowed to "speed train" in the canals but were not allowed to go on land, board boats or go in the ocean. I had my dive gear and figured I would get some fish for dinner, but once "entered" boats, even dinghy's are not allowed to leave the marina, until they "clear customs to exit" which takes about 4 hours. With so many Cubans trying to escape they simply will not allow us the freedom of just kayaking around. Besides it is a tourists job to spend money. There are two prices for everything, one for Cubans and one for everyone else, and the merchants can not deviate from this law. For example: I was way out in the country with a car and driver, and became thirsty. I ask the driver to stop when convenient to buy some water for both of us . His bottle of water was 2 pesos, mine was 2 US dollars. rgds. Pat Moss Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cuba > Hail Pat, > You had written: > > Hi All, I am back on line. I sailed to Cuba last summer. Key West- Havana : Were you required to fax to the USCG from Marina Hemingway in order to disembark? That is did the Cubans demand permission from the > USCG? That seems rather bizarre that they would care what the USCG says about entry into their country.. > I would love to do some paddling around Cuba myself. Did you see any kayakers paddling around the Marina area or anywhere on the north coast? > thanks, > Larry Koenig > Baton Rouge, LA > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I am enjoying this Cuba thread and learning a lot. I did not know about the chain in the marina, the dual price system, customs regulations, Gulf Stream conditions, etc. I hope those of you with pictures of your trips will upload them to Photopoint or someplace to share with us. And if a six year old could make it across the Florida Straights in an inner tube, I bet Ralph Diaz could make it in a Folboat! -Bob Matter Hammond, IN P.S. If I put a Cuban flag sticker on the bow of my kayak, would that be breaking some kind of rule about sailing under a fraudulent flag or something? I bought one in Key West but decided not to apply it in case the USCG didn't have a sense of humor. I didn't want to spend my prescious time in the Keys being interrogated as a Cuban spy or illegal immigrant. Then I was going to stick it on my car until someone told me that a Puerto Rican street gang would likely shoot me on sight if I did. So, I still have my Cuban flag sticker somewhere. I do have two Conch Republic flag stickers that I am going to appy to both my kayak and car though! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi All, All joking aside, the US Coast Guard does provide a very important function. When you think about it, a suitcase can hold a very dangerous explosive device, a kayak could hold one large enough to blow up a city. Cuba needs our money, and at this moment there's not a lot of desire to have our way of life. Russia can no longer afford to be a financial friend to Cuba, but I notice new alliances being made between Cuba & China. The USCG walks a very fine line between humanitarian rescue efforts and our national security. If you need a flag on your kayak, try an American one and use it proudly. Pat Moss (who lives NORTH of the Banana Republic of Miami)> -Bob Matter says: > Hammond, IN > > P.S. If I put a Cuban flag sticker on the bow of my kayak, would that be breaking some kind of rule about sailing under a fraudulent flag or something? I bought one in Key West but decided not to apply it in case the USCG didn't have a sense of humor. I didn't want to spend my prescious time in the Keys being interrogated as a Cuban spy or illegal immigrant. Then I was going to stick it on my car until someone told me that a Puerto Rican street gang would likely shoot me on sight if I did. So, I still have my Cuban flag sticker somewhere. I do have two Conch Republic flag stickers that I am going to appy to both my kayak and car though! > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Arthur, When entering a foreign port you must declare if you have any weapons on board (locked or unlocked, it doesn't matter) this is ALL countries. Officials, customs, police etc ALL have a right to search the vessel. At least Cuba gave it back, in Turkey you'll get thrown in jail. Pat > Hi Pat, > Just curious was the 357 under lock and key within the vessel when it was > located by the official? > > > > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: patmossz <patmossz_at_bellsouth.net> > In the old days the Cuban people didn't walk, they sort of danced, no, not dance > exactly, but they moved with such a happy rhythm you just had to smile. An > soon even the stiff Americans acquired that happy gait. Now the Cubans, even > with the Russians gone, seem to march. And don't look for the Buena Vista > Social Club either, ain't no such thing. The Cubans can't afford restaurants > and clubs. But with the severe life today's Cubans endure there is a certain > visual nobility to them. > Unfortunately, this reality can also used to describe my country. Smiles are gone from our faces. But, except by some military break ups, we´ve always been a democratic country. The only wealthy countries of this continent are the United States and Canada. The rest of us are just victims of the eternal corruption of our governments, no matter the colours or partees, not much we can do. I call them "soul-eaters". In most cases they´ve already killed our will. Lets go kayaking ... >From Argentina, watching the "Discovery Channel" and "Baywatch-Hawaii", I just keep on dreaming .... My children, maybe .... Fernando Lopez Arbarello Kayak Argentina - Sea Kayaking Mailing List kayak_argentina_at_uol.com.ar *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>If you need a flag on your kayak, try an American one and use it proudly. > Pat Moss Real Proudly !!!! Fernando Lopez Arbarello Kayak Argentina - Sea Kayaking Mailing List kayak_argentina_at_uol.com.ar *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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