Today we sail to Havana, though there are several nice places we would like to stop and brake up the 20 hour trip, we are only allowed to sail into certain ports. Between Varadero and Havana there are commercial, military or populated bays none of which you can approach by private yachts, there remains the fear of Cubans leaving the country illegally.
Took on 50 gal (207 liters) of diesel @ 1cuc/liter, then onto customs and immigration to clear and receive our despacho, or exit permit to our next port, marina Hemingway, Havana. The process took about two hours, paid required fees and more paper work.
By 1310 we are cleared and underway, winds are NNE 10 kts, seas 3ft and overcast. Cleared Cayo Piedras by 1430, set sails and a course of 266*, we are eight miles off the coast to stay clear of reefs and coral heads, and out of the way of shipping lanes another four miles out. Unlike the shallow waters of the Florida west coast, we are in waters over 1800 feet.
0300- lights along coast of Havana visible, seas building to 5 feet wind driven waves making it a bit uncomfortable but bearable, winds have shifted to the SSE 15kts. Havana harbor is huge, the sky line seems to go forever.
We arrive at marina Hemingway at 0830, cleared in at the Guardia Frontera (Border Guard) dock, more paper work, searched and cleared, officials very nice and friendly. Proceeded to canal #1 where we were met by medical and harbor master teams. Welcomed them aboard, after several shots of Aguardiente (a Colombian liquor) and a nice visit they gave us our papers and we were all set. I like this way of doing business.
The marina is quite large and clean. There is a nice lounge for cruisers, swimming area, stores, restaurants, bath rooms and showers. As for bathrooms here in Cuba remember to bring your own toilet paper. Supplies in stores is very limited, just the basics, fruits and vegetables are hard to come by.
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| Marina Hemingway |
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| customs dock |
Like the pic of the lady smoking the cigar.
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