With all the recent news about Cuba, it led me to wonder; is Cuba a popular cruising destination? What's it like? Are there any special problems going there?
Thanks,
Oded Kishony
Maybe things have changed in recent years, but it was not too long ago that Americans were "strongly discouraged" from traveling to Cuba. Being one of the few remaining Communist countries and with Castro and us having a bit of non-friendly history, it has not been a great travel destination for American tourists.
Has that changed now? I know one COULD go to Cuba, but it was more difficult than going almost anywhere else in the world.
uh oh... here we go!! :)
It's very popular with non-Americans (ie - Canadians).
If it's even possible, it's a major pain in the ass for Americans. Tons of red tape, can't "spend any American dollars" there, etc. Then, when you return (after having managed to somehow get permission to go) you then spend months having to prove that you didn't do anything wrong.
It'll be wonderful when it opens up to us... I'm patiently waiting..
Adam
edited to add: The red tape and harrassment is all from our government, the Cuban government is glad to have us, and the people (from what I've learned from others) love to meet cruisers.
Quote from: Adam on August 06, 2006, 06:14:09 PM
The red tape and harrassment is all from our government, the Cuban government is glad to have us, and the people (from what I've learned from others) love to meet cruisers.
Didn't we have some kind of trade embargo at one time? Has that lifted, or are we still not trading with Cuba.
It seems nuts to be all in a bunch over a country 90 miles from our own. Not meaning to get all po-litical about this, just saying we both have a bit of a history of being a bit "un-neighborly."
I did a quick Google search and got some conflicting stories. What about the physical obstacles to sailing there. I have a Paceship PY 26 with centerboard & 8HP diesel. Is this too much for such a boat for 2 people?
Oded Kishony
Quote from: oded kishony on August 06, 2006, 07:45:19 PM
Is this too much for such a boat for 2 people?
Depends on if there are any hurricanes lurking about. ;)
People sail WWP 19's from Florida to the Bahama's, and I'm thinking about taking my 18 footer to the Dry Tortugas someday. With the proper weather window and seamanship, I don't see a 90 mile run across the Straights of Florida being much different.
I'll certainly demur to those on the board with southern Florida and offshore experience.
If you do go, be sure to post about it here! ;D
That's plenty of boat... all you need to remember, you're crossing the Gulf Stream, so treat it just like you were making the crossing to Bimini (although, you'll want to avoid crossing when there's wind out of the east, rather than from the north, down here the stream flows more NE)...
Lot's of trip reports out there on cruising logs, it shouldn't be too hard to find details.
Adam
Oded,
Looking at the various craft the Cubans have used to cross the 90 or so miles to come to the US (converted pickup trucks, innertubes, etc.) I would say that you Paceship would be more then up to the task.
Yes, there is a trade embargo with Cuba. It is something of a political hot potatoe. The basic idea is that we do not want to support Castro (if even alive) or his government with US dollars. The ex-pat Cubans in FL want no trade, in hope that the communist gov will fail. The problem is this runs counter to our current diplomatic approach. Normalization of trade is a keystone in our policy (as in China).
Having said that, there are a couple ways to go. There is Gitmo, where a friend of mine tells me you can call in via radio if you have some kind of 'emergency' (low on water, or loss of propuslion etc.) and they will give you a course to approach their marina for temporary stay to fix the problem. The problem with this is that Gitmo is on the least convenient approach to the island if you were coming from the US.
I have also heard that persons with US passports can come and go freely just like our neighbors to the north. The deal is (as I have heard) that you can simply clear in to Cuba like you were going anywhere else, but ask that your passport not be stamped, but rather a piece of paper be placed in it that will bear your entry stamp, that you can later remove prior to returning to the US.
I am not advocationg this (nor does this reflect the endorsement of sailfar.net) :) if you got caught, I bet the penalty would be steep.
Hopefully things will change soon, even though it is Castro's intent they do not, the people are growing wrestless for a more normal relatoinship with us and our dollars.
WOW you guys are fast, there were two replies while I was typing this!
they WILL know you were there, regardless of your passport. There is NO way around it. Trying to hide it will just put you under much greater scrutiny.
It IS possible to go, it's just a red-tape nightmare...
As to the politics of the embargo, just remember that Miami's Cuban-American population votes for "pro-embargo" politicians, and how Miami goes, so goes the rest of FL (as far as with their electoral college votes)..
So, even though the embargo makes no sense, it's political suicide for a politicial to change the policy.
:D
Adam
I have 2 friends that went to Cuba via boat right before the halting of all trade. They went for an Educational Conference, which even then, was a lot of red tape to clear to go. Clearing guns for them, no problem, clearing educational materials and school supplies they took for the students, unbelievable. That took days. Every piece of paper was counted, every paper clip sorted by color and counted and of course it was all confiscated in order for Castro to be the one to deliver. They came back and both of them stated that after being there, they felt the trade embargo was needed and had changed their political take on it. People would be arrested and killed for just selling cheese that they had made in order to try and support their families. They were so saddened by the state of the country. They said it was the most beautiful countryside and was fortunate enough to actually meet folks. They said the people were wonderful. They are currently cruising on a boat called Moon Angel, a trawler they worked several yrs on to get her cruising ready. They have a 12 yr travel plan, stopping to watch the seasons change and to mingle with the people and interact with them as they travel. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? They are really neat people and I value hearing about their experiences. I thought their take on Cuba and politics was also interesting.
Cuba is still essentially forbidden ground for americans. If you are caught going to or coming from Cuba, you can get in serious trouble.
I think you CAN go to Cuba, right? I've read stories of people going there (legally), but as Adam said, it's a paperwork nightmare.
See, for example, Travel to Cuba by US Citizens (http://www.ibike.org/cuba/ofac/cuba-travelto.htm)
Obviously this particular moment in history is probably the worst possible time for a US citizen to travel to Cuba.
But things could change very rapidly in the near future.
At which time Cuba could become a very attractive destination IMHO.
~~ __/) ~~
Oded Kishony
policy:
http://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/fs/25155.htm
http://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/fs/22905.htm
QuoteGreater Enforcement of Travel Restrictions
* Greater enforcement of travel restrictions will make more certain that permitted travel for Americans (like family visits, humanitarian aid, research) is not abused and used as cover for illegal business travel, to skirt restrictions on carrying cash into Cuba, or tourism.
* Violations of restrictions serve only to funnel funds to the dictator and his repressive regime.
* Enforcement agencies will increase inspections of travelers and shipments to and from Cuba and target those who illegally travel to Cuba via third countries or on private vessels.
The long "bolded" part of the quote is where we insert or political agenda (ie - solidarity with the Cuban-American South Florida voting block.
Just fabulous... BUT you CAN travel to communist China all you want :D
Hopefully soon, this will all be just an unpleasant memory...
I'm an overnight sail from Havana... I wanna go!!!!!!!!!!
I know a dude who travels to Cuba every year (though I haven't heard if he went this year) and repairs instruments. I guess this is considered 'humanitarian'. So if you're REALLY anxious to go then perhaps you can hook up with a humanitarian organization and offer your services as the cap't of a sailing vessel ;)
You best check with the two people who ran the Race to Havana which was carrying "humanitarioan aid". Last year they had all the permits they thought they needed and still got arrested, and spent god awful sums of money before the courts threw the case out. Seems the Dept of Commerce sorta changed the rules on them.
Yachts are currently being interdicted at sea because they MIGHT be enroute to Cuba.
As was said earlier- Cuba is a destination that might be best forgotten by american boats while the current political environment exists.
I sailed to Cuba, before the current regime was in power, and had a great time. Watched the Orioles play the Cubans in Pan American stadium
Sailed out of Key West and headed to the Dry Tortugas then crossed.
Entrance to Marina Hemingway is tough to spot and with reefs on both sides I would make sure and arrive with plenty of daylight.
I'll dig out my pix and post a couple later
Heres a couple
http://static.flickr.com/65/212859934_df016ac5d8.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/61/212860048_8067024d62.jpg
The Coast Guard were the first to arrive, they looked around for a minute and then we all popped a Budweiser!
hermosas 8)
they all want to come here....they are already here -----I was in miami for quite some time ----also its not "Q-BAH"---EEEETZ "KOOOOBAH" as its properly pronounced.if you decide to go legally or otherwise you will be most likely intercepted by US homeland security vessels---and you may see those haitian "coastal freighters" as they are termed----rickety bhoaghtze seemingly top heavy burdened with about 500 bicycles -----"aquired" as they say from the streets of south florida----headed for haiti-----in return---you will see those same type of vessels ----maybe 40 feet long----with nearly 150 passengers on board----in all types of health conditions----pregnant women----starving children---young and old alike----yes thats rite peoples its like I said before---these things dont just happen on tv----if you see this ----they will hail you down and beg for food and water----keep your distance--also--should you go and get intercepted by US authorities on the way home,they may search you,and everyone on board with a PROCTOSCOPE--are you sure you want to subject yourself to this???
Hey Osprey what kind of boat is that? Care to tell us a little about the trip? I'm a Canadian and am thinking of either the Bahamas or Cuba next fall... And other Americans out there, I feel for ya! I can't imagine ANYONE, or any state, telling we where I can and can't go... It makes my furious just thinking about infringing on peoples right to travel like that... Anyways... here is a link to some pics of my little Bayfield sloop that will one day take me south! Looking forward to any accounts of cruising Cuba... At least we all are using aliases ;)
Cheers,
Sonnie.
I have a few U.S. friends working in Mexico. They travel to Cuba regularly -just like everyone else in the rest of the world is freely able to do... You can actually see the city light's glow on a clear night from the Can Cun area.
They absolutely LOVE it. More than the resorts they like the cities (Old Havana) and the towns. They always speak about all the very nice people they meet...
I would not mind going there... It sounds great.
Quote from: Sonnie on September 06, 2006, 09:49:52 PM
Hey Osprey what kind of boat is that? Care to tell us a little about the trip? I'm a Canadian and am thinking of either the Bahamas or Cuba next fall... And other Americans out there, I feel for ya! I can't imagine ANYONE, or any state, telling we where I can and can't go... It makes my furious just thinking about infringing on peoples right to travel like that... Anyways... here is a link to some pics of my little Bayfield sloop that will one day take me south! Looking forward to any accounts of cruising Cuba... At least we all are using aliases ;)
Cheers,
Sonnie.
Sonnie-
You seem to be missing a link... :(
Oooops... Here it is. It's a start and as you can see I'm no web guru but you get the idea. Check back in a few days and I should have the "After" pics posted... Like night and day!
http://www.sloopannamaria.blogspot.com/
Cheers,
Sonnie
PS - the dog on the bow is a 130# field lab, and makes the boat look smaller than it really is!
I 've sailed the B25 often and was in the Plant 3 times. Great little shallow draft cruiser. Good boat for Bahamas or the keys.Yours is a newer one with 3 ports per side. The 1st many years had 2.
A word of caution to other Canadians. Since the current US administration, sailing to Cuba through US waters is considered by the US as an illegal act.
I have read tales of the US charging Canadians, but am unsure how it turned out.
Apart from that many Canadians travel to Cuba annually. You may be restricted as to where you can travel within Cuba, but apart from that you are welcomed.
John
The fact that I am a Canadian citizen is ONE of the reasons it is legal for me to visit Cuba. I have been there 5 times in the past 10 years. I wanted to sail The Edge there so I crewed on a Beneteau 43 to get some first-hand knowledge before I took the leap. About 4 years ago I sailed from Isla Juventud to Cienfuegos with a stop at Cayo Largo. The 80+ yr old owner made a yearly circuit from Rio Dulce, Mexico, Cuba, Caymans, Honduras and return. He knew all of the little nooks and crannies and commercial fishermen along the route. We traveled for days without seeing a soul. I dived in virgin coral and walked deserted beaches. The water was clear and what dreams are made of.
Getting to/from the sailboat was an adventure in itself. Travel within the country is next to impossible. After I disembarked in Cienfuegos, it took me almost 2 weeks to get transportation back to Canada. I spent a week in Old Havana and made some wonderful friends who showed me places few tourists see.
I am going to return for another adventure. I don't have any details yet as I have not heard from my favorite contact. Castro is very ill and Batista loyalists are ready to reclaim Cuba.
Though the boat I was on had Canadian registry, the Cubans treated American boats just as well. The authorities were very friendly and welcoming. Castro has conceded that he needs tourism.
While browsing around different cruising sites today, a thought came to mind...why not cruise again and help out as a friend on someone else's boat?!!
So, I posted on Cruisers Log and.....you never know. I might have another tale to tell.
My plan at this moment is to fly to Cuba, then do some cruising while I am there.
Retirement is neat ;D
WTG, Sarah! :) Grog! ;D
A concern was brought up on another site that I post on so I thought I would mention here, in case the thought had crossed your minds. ;).
The concern was that I shouldn't post my intentions to go to Cuba. It is perfectly legal for me to go to Cuba for many reasons. As I mentioned previously, the fact that I am Canadian is one.
My wise, late father told me something when I was a child, looong before the internet was a gleam in someone's eye, which was "Don't write anything you don't want the whole world to read." ;)
Quote from: gltea on February 08, 2008, 07:26:25 AM
It is perfectly legal for me to go to Cuba for many reasons. As I mentioned previously, the fact that I am Canadian is one.
AWW! you Canadians have all the fun ;)
I remember when this came up on the TSBB awhile back, and I guess even Americans can stop there, they just can't buy anything.
Maybe I would feel different if I lived in Florida where there are displaced Cubans, but I would jump at the chance and make no bones about doing it.
Tim
Tim,
IIRC, it is illegal to even plan to go to Cuba >:(. Thanks to "this administration" we Americans(lucky Canadians) can find ourselves on the wrong side of the law for talking or planing to go to Cuba. So, for the sake of yourself and all of those that love you...keep your mouth shut :-X!!! I hope that I'm wrong but if I'm not, I hope it will change soon. Maybe after November :o.
Fair winds,
Pappy Jack
I believe Pappy Jack is correct about US-flagged boats and Cuba. I have several friends, who are American citizens, who have visited Cuba for work, and the amount of paperwork they have to go through to get approval to go is ridiculous. I don't believe a US boat that stopped in Cuba would have a lot of fun coming back into the US, since DHS would be all over them.
Capn K,
From reading Pappy Jack's post, I don't want to possibly encourage people to discus Cuba. I tried to delete this post but was informed that only you can do it.
In the best interest of the members, would you please delete this post.
Quote from: gltea on February 09, 2008, 07:40:06 AM
Capn K,
From reading Pappy Jack's post, I don't want to possibly encourage people to discus Cuba. I tried to delete this post but was informed that only you can do it.
In the best interest of the members, would you please delete this post.
I would like to put my vote in for NOT deleting it.
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with discussing Cuba. There was another Cuba thread here a year or two ago, with a lot of good back-n-forth about what the laws actually are. This topic gets hit on other boards as well with some regularity.
I think there is a lot of confusion about what the laws are. We have a lot of folks (myself included) that don't really know or understand the legalities of traveling to Cuba. If we don't have open discussions about this topic, how are we to learn sources of GOOD information?
Finally, it is through the reports of folks like you who CAN and DO travel there that spark the fire in Americans to pressure our government to change what many see as archaic and self-defeating travel laws regarding Cuba.
Long Live Free Speech, I Say!! ;D
Right now, I'll abstain from deleting it, for the reasons I'll list below. Pending other input, I'll reserve the option to do as Sarah asks. Let's see where this goes, in the meanwhile. :)
- I don't think there is anything in the law as regards discussing it which would prohibit us from doing so. See "First Amendment". :)
- That said, there's no need for our discussion to be, or become, political. What the current administration is doing with regards to Cuba Policy is simply an extension of the same policy of many years, and many different administrations (from *both sides* of the political fence) that came before. We can't lay the blame for this at the feet of the current administration, because it has always been a *Federal Government* policy, not the policy of a particular political party. Though I am sure that different parties might have tweaked it here and there, to suit their (voters) whims...
- IMO, that does not make it good policy, nor does precedent become a good reason for perpetuating it. Personally, I would love to visit Cuba, especially before the developers get there and turn it into "Disney South (now with Golf!)".
- So let's discuss it, as we can, and see if we can get some straight factual info out of the discussion. :)
How's that sound, everyone?
Quote from: gltea on February 09, 2008, 07:40:06 AM
Capn K,
From reading Pappy Jack's post, I don't want to possibly encourage people to discus Cuba. I tried to delete this post but was informed that only you can do it.
In the best interest of the members, would you please delete this post.
Since I was someone who suggested the desire to go to Cuba I am going to respond.
First off there is absolutely nothing wrong with talking about wanting to go to a country that is restricted by The US government, the Constitution has not been disfigured to that point thankfully.
Second I have wanted to go to Cuba ever since I passed up an opportunity to do a licensed trip a number of years ago. Nothing Sarah said did anything but remind me of that.
Third and most important I think, (and this meant with absolutely no offense to Pappy Jack), I refuse to be told I should keep quiet when I KNOW I am doing nothing wrong. :)
Thought about this a bit more while I was doing some cleaning...
I think that the only way talking about Cuba could come back and bite an American would be if they were to say/write publicly something along the lines of:
"I was there X1, and did X2."
X1 being some time between now and a point in time in the past when the statute of limitations for admitting a crime would come into play. I know in some crimes that is 7 years, in others (like murder), that's never. I have no idea when that time would be WRT Cuba and/or other embargoed nations.
X2 would be some sort of thing which is considered a crime WRT the Federal Gov't Cuba Policy.
Quote from: CapnK on February 09, 2008, 10:24:26 AM
Thought about this a bit more while I was doing some cleaning...
I think that the only way talking about Cuba could come back and bite an American would be if they were to say/write publicly something along the lines of:
"I was there X1, and did X2."
X1 being some time between now and a point in time in the past when the statute of limitations for admitting a crime would come into play. I know in some crimes that is 7 years, in others (like murder), that's never. I have no idea when that time would be WRT Cuba and/or other embargoed nations.
X2 would be some sort of thing which is considered a crime WRT the Federal Gov't Cuba Policy.
So let me get this straight Capn, I shouldn't say I know some people that went to (you know where) in X1,
and while they were there they X2. :)
OK I assure everyone if I go to (you know where) it will not be until X3 and I will not do anything ;)
Capn K,
I will leave deleting this post to your discretion. I would hate to think I would harm this site or the members on it.
While on passage... it was late and I could not see the dial too well... I think I may have accidentally tuned in a cuban radio station. It was an accident, and I only listened for a second..... do I need to report that to someone? Maybe I need to turn in my radio for 'deprogramming'?
;D
I too would love to visit Cuba. I understand that the 'authorities' have a 'special treatment' for US vessels that they suspect have visited Cuba. In talking to some folks, it sounds like they first take all gps's and the ships log. Then they 'search' the boat in as destructive method possible to make a point.
I agree with what Kurt has said... this particular insanity defies political party, the pandering to a highly vocal contingent has gone on for many years. I hope we see the end of it.
IIRC, our government took some poor sap to court for sailing to Cuba for a race or was it that he was trying to sponsor a race to Cuba? Well, the court case went on for sometime and people from all over sent in money for his defense fund. The upshot of all this was he found not guilty(HURRAH for our side ;D)! There was a lot of questions about what was the law and what wasn't. I, for one, still don't know for sure what is "THE LAW". Call me skiddish but I don't trust "This Government" or any other for that matter.
I guess I sounded a little like "Chicken Little" in my last post for which I'm sorry :-[. It's just that all it takes is some guy like that D.A. that prosecuted the Duke La Crosse players last year to give somebody a very hard time and for no good reason. I believe what I said is correct but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just don't P. O. somebody in power, if you know what I mean ;D.
Fair winds,
Pappy Jack
P.S. Three cheers for the First Amendment
Actually they took TWO people to court, for running a race they even had permission for, from another agency. The thing went on for some months before they were found not guilty, but it cost them a bundle.
It was the recurring ( up til now ) Key West to Havana Race, where the racers carried donated supplies- no money involved. This government has decided to get REALLY nasty about Americans going to Cuba.
And I agree, it sucks, but them's the rules for now, so we have to live by them.
Quote from: Pappy Jack on February 09, 2008, 07:39:18 PM
Just don't P. O. somebody in power, if you know what I mean ;D.
Some have said we have a moral obligation to PO those in power. It's our duty.
But you have to pick your battles....
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I have done some further research and have decided not to take the trip.
It's time to come up with a better idea.
Hi Sara,
Sorry to hear about your decision not to go to Cuba :'(. I know that if I had a chance to go,I would... that is, after the DHS moderates its policy on Cuba ::). All I ask is that you keep us up to date and don't forget the pictures ;).
Fair winds,
Pappy Jack
The one place I want to visit and experience the culture is Cuba. I feel time is pressing because once it is opened to travel by US citizens Cuba and its culture will forever be chanced from the way it is at this time. The close proximity to the US will make it a very popular cruising location like the Bahamas. I have been trying to arrange permission to visit without government repercussions. Everything I have read and individuals I have talked to who have visited indicate how receptive and friendly the Cubans are to us visiting. In many ways the country is very much like it was in the '50s. There has not been the build up of resorts and developments that has affected other islands although it is looming on the horizon. Dan
BREAKING NEWS :o :o :o!!!!
Castro resigns!!! His brother Raul to take over the reigns. Could this be the beginning of a new era ???, or just more of the same old, same old? Lets all hold our breaths and see what happens next.
Fair winds,
Pappy Jack
I have not been able to go to Cuba since 1957. I want to see what changes have been made. As a Good OL' Florida Boy, I don't really know which Presidents did what (other than when JFK backed out on The Bay of Pigs and I lost some idealistic friends). But, I do hear the ranting about how much the old Cuban money donates to republican political candidates and how the quid pro quo for opening Cuba is the return of property and companies to the original families. However, as it says at the end of King Arthur, " . . . The old order changeth . . ." or at least passeth away. Thus commeth change. I HOPE IT DOESN'T TAKE TOO LONG, MY BEARD IS ALREADY WHITE!
With Castro resigning, there is no way I want to go Cuba now.
I have found a position as crew out of Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas. I have the option of staying on to South Africa. I'll start a new thread.
Hi gang,
Isn't creepy how Fidel looks like Willie Nelson ;)? Sure sounds like a conspiracy to me ;D ;D ;D.
Flair winds,
Pappy Jack
Just an update to show that the penalties are still a priority for the US government....
Latest Southwinds magazine (http://www.southwindsmagazine.com/currentissue.html) reports the folks who participated in the regatta in 2003 are still being harassed;
Here is the story;
QuoteCuba Race Participants of 2003 Continue to be
Persecuted byUnited States Government
SOUTHWINDS received an e-mail from one of the race participants
of the Key West to Cuba race that took place in May, 2003.
In the e-mail, the writer (name withheld) sent
us a quote of the new charges, dated December 18, 2007.
The new charges are a bit different from the letter received
last year, dated November 5, 2006, but are still a continua-28without a license.
Here is a copy of the quote of the
charges that we received (the owner's name has been replaced with "X" and the
name of the vessel has been replaced with the words "Vessel Y"):
"Charge 1 15 C.F.R. 764.2(a)-Exportinga Vessel without a required license.
Between on or about May 22, 2003 though on or about May 31, 2003, X
engaged in conduct prohibited by the Regulations when he exported the Vessel Y,
an item subject to the Regulations and classified on the Commerce Control List under Export Control Classification Number ("ECCN") 8A992.f, to Cuba during a
regatta without the required Department of Commerce authorization.
On more than one occasion prior to the regat-ta,
BIS's Office of Export Enforcement had advised race
organizers that all regatta participants required a
Department of Commerce export license prior to exporting
their vessel to Cuba. On or about May 22, 2003, the Office of
Export Enforcement met with X and other regatta partici-pants
at the regatta's pre-launch party and informed X that
a license was required for the temporary
export of vessels to Cuba during the regat-ta.
On or about May 23, 2003, the Office Of
Export Enforcement provided X with a
written notice indicating again that an
export license was required by all regat-ta
participants who took their vessels to
Cuba and that a particular license that
had been identified by some of the partic-ipants
as authority to take their vessel to
Cuba during the regatta did not in fact
authorize the temporary export of a vessel.
Pursuant to Section 746.2 of the regulations, a
license is required for the export of vessels to
Cuba and no license was obtained for the export of Vessel
Y to Cuba. In temporarily exporting a vessel to Cuba with-out
the required license, X committed one violation of
Section 764. (a) of the regulations."
Note from Editor — We would like to point out that all the ves-sels
returned from Cuba shortly after arriving there. In other
words, none were "exported" to Cuba. The race organizers were
persecuted by the U.S. government through November 2004,at the regatta's pre-launch party and informed X that
but never prosecuted, although their harassment by the U.S.
government was plenty of punishment—otherwise known as
"punishment without conviction." Some call it persecution, as
opposed to prosecution. The charges were dropped against them
on the Friday before the first Tuesday in November 2004—four
days before the national election in the United States. We won-der
what will happen with these charges this year—another elec-tion
year.
It has been four and a half years since the race.
Well it looks like those of us who have longed to go to Cuba may get our chance.
This is a quote from BBC news about the Senate confirmation hearing;
"Mrs Clinton said there would be change of policy towards Cuba under President-elect Barack Obama's administration.
She confirmed the new government would lift the US ban on travel to Cuba.
Mr Obama has already said he is willing to talk to the government of President Raul Castro in an effort to end 50 years of strained relations since the Cuban revolution. "
that would be great , and would change my future plans for sure .
hopefully it wont take years to make it happen.
Its about time.
My grandfather used to live in Key West and regularly made the trip to Havana for fun and fishing in the pre-Castro days. It's a place I've always wanted to visit and am thrilled that it might be able to happen! Time to start relearning the spanish... :)
Don't get your hopes up-apparently the relaxation of restrictions is to be for Cubans who have family there, NOT the rest of us.
Yet.
Quote from: CharlieJ on January 14, 2009, 02:39:45 PM
Don't get your hopes up-apparently the relaxation of restrictions is to be for Cubans who have family there, NOT the rest of us.
Yet.
Yes this appears to be true from what Hillary said during the confirmation process, and that is all we have so far. But as I mentioned on CSBB it seems to me if they relax the restrictions at all it may not be too long before the rest of us can go. In fact I would be curious and may look into the legal issues involved when allowing a segment of the citizenry to travel more freely.
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a bill that would allow US citizens to travel freely to Cuba.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7975663.stm
I heard on the news today that the USA is opening up Cuba for vistation, do you think they will lets us cruise the island, I understand it has beautiful virgin cruising grounds, does anyone have input, would you go!
My understanding is that the restrictions have only been eased for those with relatives there.
Quote from: Tim on April 13, 2009, 11:39:57 PM
My understanding is that the restrictions have only been eased for those with relatives there.
Thats how I understood it as well. Its to allow Cuban emigrants living in America to send money back home and visit their family in Cuba without going to jail for it.
That doesn't help us any, but it is a step in the right direction.
Obama said he was going to be doing these things before he got elected, looks like he may be living up to his word.
http://www.cubacruising.net/html/obama_s_view.html
QuoteAccordingly, I will use aggressive and principled diplomacy to send an important message: If a post-Fidel government begins opening Cuba to democratic change, the United States (the president working with Congress) is prepared to take steps to normalize relations and ease the embargo that has governed relations between our countries for the last five decades.
Another point: Other countries do not restrict their citizens from visiting Cuba. It's a fairly common stop, actually, for boats from Europe and even Canadians.
So, not precisely 'virgin cruising' territory. There are marinas.
I was chatting last night with a couple of Canadians who had both been down to Cuba last year.
I met a Canadian couple in the Keys a few years back (maybe a bit more than a few) They had spent 8 or 9 yrs cruising to Cuba and just loved it.They loved the people...but said you needed enough time to get 'excepted' before really getting to know them and find the 'deals on food' etc.They loved the multitude of islands on the N coast. They became huge ambassadors for the country.They bosted of their agriculture and inexpensive vegtables.They said customs would co-operate easily and for US residents not stamp their passport being happy they took the risk to visit.Their only complaint was having to go through 'check-in' at every port they stopped at unlike Bahamas where once checked in...you're good to go and explore.Danny had a heart attack 2 or 3 yrs back or I'm sure they'd still be there.