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In the northern half of the Caribbean , particularly the Florida Keys, Bahamas and Cuban north coast it is critical to have safe anchorages. A safe anchorage is a situation with good anchor holding, swinging room and shelter from wind and seas during the passing of a cold front,(a norther). This has always been a serious problem in the keys and Bahamas. Every winter we hear stories of yachts in trouble and boats playing “bumper cars” in the popular anchorages in these areas. Cuba is fortunate to have an abundance of places that meet this criteria. Unfortunately Cuba closes some of these spots to visiting yachts. Each year the off-limits ports change so it has taken us many seasons to have visited them all.There will probably some problems in the southern part of the island around the Baracoa to Vita region because of the hurricanes, but we will
cruise that area this winter and report back.
Also Club Nautica at Marina Hemingway are making arrangements to hold a cruise/parade from the marina to El Morro and back then a barbecue at the club

What are the “safe anchorages” between Havana and Matanzas that are only 37 miles apart I must have missed them in the 16 yrs. I’ve been sailing these waters.  The only anchorage in this stretch I am aware of is Puerto Escondido which is closed to all “unauthorized” boats.  And it is more than 37 miles from Havana.

We are leaving home (Nova Scotia ) tomorrow on the way to Cuba again , so will be off line until we are in Florida. Looks like a cold trip down. While we are traveling perhaps Tern3 could post on the harbors and places he likes cruising in Cuba as quite a few Canadian and some U.S. yachts are headed there this year. Also we could get together at Hemingway and compare notes
Don Barr

Hey Don,

Here is a story you might enjoy. I had just returned home from Cuba and checked my messages and there was 3 messages from Bill Wirtz and 4 from his secretary, so I called and Billy jumped on the phone. He said” Get packed we are going to Cuba” I said Billy I just left and am home. He said ” Spencer we are taking the Blackhawk ( 123’ Feadship 1971).  From Lauderdale I asked, ” Nope Cat Key” (Bahamas) he said.

  Well Billy was not someone that I was going to say “no” to. After all the Blackhawk and Bulls visits to the Sonia Henne room as his guest. So within hours his stepson Hargrave and I were on a plane to Lauderdale and the puddle jumper to Cat Key. (No rest for the wicked)

    When we motored into Marina Hemingway ( I requested Tarara but Aduana said “nope”) There was about 50 officials to “meet” us. Everything went off without a hitch and Billy and his family were delighted. I ended up staying another couple of weeks flying back. The letter and stern warning and fines arrived from the OFAC a few months later for everyone on the reentry manifest…. Of course I was not on the Blackhawk for the return.

    There was something quite nice about seeing the stern when I arrived each morning ( I was stying at my place in Centro Habana). Maybe it was the colorful indianhead logo that most Cubans enjoyed but for me it was simply the name of my home town written below: CHICAGO.

    This story is one of many in “Havana: My Kind of Town” available on Amazon.com on or about January 20th.

My Cuba books are found here Havana: My Kind of Town and Nature’s Ancient Religion

Hi, 

Thinking of taking my 42 ft Whitby Sailboat to Cuba, but most of the blogs and guides are old.  Nigel Calder’s book is from 1999.  very old Much has happened since then.  How can I get current info?

Patrick   Delaware, USA

Manfred Z,

Thanks for responding.  Could we talk please? I could call you.
or my phone is in Delaware, USA 302-286-7134.  I have heard several bad stories too. I am US citizen. Obama has begun to change the policies but not very much.  Better than Bush but?  I would like to spend this winter in Cuba and live aboard.    Patrick Cornelius

Hi,
My sailboat is currently in Florida and we’re planning to cross over to Cuba in April 2010 and come back to Key West after.  Should I expect any problem getting a new Cruising Permit when I’ll get back to Key West, even if the boat and the crew are Canadians?
Thanks
Serge de Blois

Re Serge de Blois , you will not have any problems getting a cruising permit as Canadian yachts have been doing this voyage for many years.
Re Lisa As U.S. citizens you could expect problems. The problem will not be in Key West when you depart as it is not required to clear out . You could be stopped by the U.S. Coast Guard about 20 miles off the coast of Cuba as this is the area they patrol. Your bigger problem will on your return.
We will be cruising in Cuba again this winter ,departing Fla. before Christmas
Don Barr

Hi Lpegden
I have been questioned by the U.S. coast guard about 20 miles off havana for the past three years. They did not board or ask to , just asked questions over the radio, crew nationality etc. The patrols will start easing off now as the “rafting season ” is ending. I have heard some yachts say they are closing with the Cuban coast to pick up the west going counter current on their way to Mexico. If heading for the lower Caribbean from Cuba be aware that you will have to make hard easting , very difficult. I have no insurance when in Cuban waters.

Hi Bill
Vita is still the port of entry on that coast. Remember Baracoa is NOT.
If cruising up the north coast at that time of year it is an easy sail but be prepared for the northers. Up the south coast you are sheltered from the fronts and more interesting places to stop. We will be cruising the south coast again this winter.
Don Barr
Mahone Bay ,NS