Cruising World’s Expedition and Rally: Cuba 2017
We have signed up for the Cruising World Rally to Cuba March 31st – April 9th, 2017. We are super excited! As some of 
you may know, we have been to Cuba many years ago as South African citizens at the time. It rates as one of the most interesting experiences of our travels around the world. It was also one of the most mind boggling experiences as a westerner, trying to understand the mentality of a communist socienty. We wrote about it in our article A perspective of life and sailing in Cuba.
It has all surely changed a lot since we were there and will have changed even more by the time we arrive there next year for the Cuba Rally. That is why we want to join this adventure, to not only experience some of the old Cuba, but to witness the journey of the Cuban people as the grip of communism loosens a bit. We of course also want to catch up with some old friends on the island.
The Rally will visit the Cuban ports of Varadero and Marina Hemingway. The organisers are putting together unique people-to-people tours and projects to give you the opportunity to experience the famed city of Havana and the amazing countryside with optional tours to Vinales to see an actual working tobacco farm! Also included is a “Parade of Vessels” along the Malecon and El Morro Castle led by none other than Commodore Escrich of the famed Hemingway Yacht Club! The international rally starts from Key West, Florida to Marina Varadero and Marina Hemingway, CUBA. The goal of the rally is to promote the US sailing/cruising community and their connection to the Cuban maritime community through a series of planned events, special speakers, and workshops within the official OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control-US) and Cuba governmental guidelines.
INSURANCE Update June 2016: The US arm of German insurer Pantaenius will provide coverage for “American boats traveling in Cuban waters. US-based insurers, including AIG and Gowrie, have also “demonstrated” an interest in participating in the Cuban market. Read more>>
