Sail Cuba - Coming at last for American sailors?

11:09 PM Thu 22 Jan 2009 GMT

'Sailing routes around the coast and islands of Cuba - soon could be crowded...' .

News that the Obama Administration may lift travel restrictions relating to Cuba could mean that American cruising sailors in the Caribbean would have a whole new sailing ground opened up.

It might also mean that ship wrecked sailors would no longer rund the risk of ending up in jail in Cuba as happened recently to two hapless American sailors from Florida

Robert Vassallo and Angellette Smith never intended to break the law and go to Cuba, they merely set out from Key West to circle Grand Cayman Island and Jamaica, and be home in a week. Angellette hadn't even taken her passport!

After a few days, however, the weather turned against them, and after two days of struggling in strong winds and 20 ft seas, they were exhausted and anchored off the Cuban shore to get some rest. It was not to be. Their 38ft boat dragged anchor and was washed onto a reef. They struggled off the rocks and went in search of help in the dark of the night, but found everyone asleep. Not wanting to wake sleeping Cubans, they returned to the boat and went to sleep to wait for morning.

However, in the morning they found themselves surrounded by Cuban police, who arrested them, and the next day whisked them off to a Cuban jail because of their lack of proper documentation.

The story ends well, of course, as they were assisted by American officials in Havana, and, while they spent Christmas Day in a smelly jail with bad food, they were released after three days and were home by New Year.

This kind of incident could be a thing of the past if Cuba, and therefore the seas around it, are opened to American citizens.

More pristine waters in the Caribbean to enjoy - snorkelling off the Cuban coast - .. .

Yes, from cruisers who have already been there, Cuba is a magical destination with some of the world's finest beaches, a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant approach to life. The people are friendly to a fault, and show a fascinating blend of Latin American, Spanish and African cultures.

The balmy trade winds come from the north east, so it makes sense to sail the southerly lee shore from west to east, and circumnavigate that way if that's your desire. Diving and snorkeling show some exquisite coral reefs, and of course there's much to enjoy after the sun goes down and the salsa rythms begin.

With things moving fast in the new administration, it maybe won't be long before the marinas, anchorages and harbours of Cuba are full of exploring Americans.

Roger Strube is one American who can't wait, and describes himself as 'ecstatic' at the thought : 'When it happens I plan to spend at least 6 months circumnavigating Cuba in my multihull, Millennium Dragon, ' he told Sail-World Cruising last week.' and please let us know when the Key West to Havana race will be opened up!'

We'll be watching....

by Nancy Knudsen

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