Is Cuba too risky these days?

[HBDave]

My sail plan is to sail from FL to CA in legs over a year’s time. I plan to make of passage from Key West to Havana to the West end of Cuba to Isla Mujeres jan 07. Is Cuba too risky these days?

[Rikava]

Not recommended.

But if you do go you will be completely on your own, so have plenty of other resources. Your insurance will no dought be invalid. And you will be tracked.

Good luck!

[Ron]

The Bush administration will give you hell and likely fine you big time.

[steelmagnolia]

Hmmm .. perhaps you should chat with those who've recently visited Cuba, enjoyed it and who'd share their experience with you instead of listening to "cruisers" who fear to go where there isn't TowBoat US or insurance coverage. The Rio Dulce in Guatemala is full of boats who've been to Cuba for extended periods and have enjoyed it immensely. (You'll only be "tracked" if you sail from Cuba back to the US .. not on the route you described).

[amanzi]

We were in cuba earlier this year and it was a highlight of our two year voyage through the Caribbean. We entered Cuba at the port of Vita on the north coast. we were able to leave the boat in the marina and travel over land for a couple of days. we then sailed up the coast Veradero. During this 2 week voyage we only local fishing boats no other cruises.

In the marinas there were many Canada and non US boats. our basic understanding was that the US do not care if there are non US citizens onborad and the Boat is foreign registered.

The bottom line if you can get there its fantastic.

[AndrewB]

In the marinas there were many Canada and non US boats. our basic understanding was that the US do not care if there are non US citizens onborad and the Boat is foreign registered.

The bottom line if you can get there its fantastic.They definitely care if you sail from Cuba to the US. We entered Key West from Havana in March (British yacht) and were given third degree by Customs. I thought they would send us back, but they relented in the end after lecturing us, making us read regulations applicable only to US citizens, and having the yacht searched.

Most yachts go and return via Mexico to the US. The Bahamas looks to be an option, but perhaps there is a problem as I met no-one going that way.

Cuba is indeed a fantastic country but with a viciously unpleasant regime. Tourists have a relatively free hand, but how they treat their own people beggars belief.

In terms of serious crime it is far safer than the US - but don't leave anything lying around.