MacGregorSailors.com

Interesting that there is no mention as to why an apparently legitimate request which was submitted in October of last year had not been acted upon by May of this year.

So they have time and resources to investigate the trip itself, but not why there was no action on the request.

Perhaps the letter should have more appropriately referred to him as "a journalist whose politics the current administration does not like", or words to that effect.

I believe he should just answer that he doesn't remember any of the details of the trip, nor even whether he actually made such a trip, but if he did, it was for entirely legitmate and completely legal purposes.

I have sailed across the Great Lakes into southern Canada often and have made a few personal friends. Many Canadians go to CUBA for vacation. A few comments I remember is that Cuba is cheap compared to Florida, Bahama`s or Carrabean Islands. I think its stupid politics, but who doesnt know that. Strange we trade with China, Russia, Viet-Nam etc etc etc.

You know I recall some fishing shows on cable back in the 80's,90's and
they were filmed in Cuba. Both freshwater and saltwater.
If I remember right they either flew in from the Caymans or Belize.

The US seems to think Cuba isn't a good place for it's citizens,

THis is getting to be Pub-worthy but the government is not in the business of deciding what is 'good' for its citizens ...anyone remember that document starting with 'C'? We should start jailing those in government who dont seem to think they have to uphold the law of the land

I only write this for the fellow Canadians that might be on this board. Would not like to promote or get any Americans in trouble.

However, As stated before, Cuba, is a very safe country. You will not have any problems there. I have also not met any corrupt authorities. There are stiff punishments, if they take any bribes, or even tips, or treat tourists in correctly in any way. This is not Mexico. Many Canadians have been killed in Mexico in the last 2 years, and even American's in Aruba. You won't find any one getting in trouble in Cuba, you can leave your wallet out on the table at a resort, and come back in 1/2 hour, it will still be there.

If you don't want your passport stamped, you just ask them not to stamp it, you don't have to give them any money.

2 million people travel to Cuba annually, 600,000 of which are Canadians, the rest are from Europe, UK, France, Germany and Spain, they even get people from other parts of the world as far as Australia. They even get some Americans I guess who arrive illegally. It is against US law, not against Cuba law, they treat the Americans like any other tourists.

There are hundreds of 5 star hotels, Cuba is the Caribeans largest island, it boasts the caribbeans most beautiful beachs, and the whitest sand, it is not poor, and you will not find any slums in Cuba, you will not find any one who does not live in a house, and have nice clothing, or starving, they all have free health care, and are educated. Its not like Captain Ron's movie at all.

As far as Yachting goes, there are about 75 full service marinas, and you can stay for about $1 a foot per night, with all the services you might find else were.

If any Canadians are interested in a Yachting Guide to Cuba, with a list of Marina's and services, I would be happy to send you a free copy, just e-mail me...

The following is an excerpt from the U.S. Department of State web page:

January 08, 2007

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Cuba is a totalitarian police state, which relies on repressive methods to maintain control. These methods, including intense physical and electronic surveillance of Cubans, are also extended to foreign travelers. Americans visiting Cuba should be aware that any encounter with a Cuban could be subject to surreptitious scrutiny by the Castro regime's secret police, the General Directorate for State Security (DGSE). Also, any interactions with average Cubans, regardless how well intentioned the American is, can subject that Cuban to harassment and/or detention, and other forms of repressive actions, by state security elements. The regime is strongly anti-American yet desperate for U.S. dollars to prop itself up.

This alone seems reason enough not to go there at this time.

.......again from the U.S. Department of State web page, more food for thought:

The waters around Cuba can be dangerous to navigation. Since 1993 there have been at least ten shipwrecks involving U.S. citizens. U.S. boaters who have encountered problems requiring repairs in Cuba have found repair services to be expensive and frequently not up to U.S. standards. Note that it is not permitted by law for U.S. persons to use such repair services in non-emergency situations. Any U.S. person who makes use of Cuban repair facilities should be prepared to provide documentary evidence demonstrating the emergency nature of that activity. The government of Cuba often holds boats as collateral to assure payment for salvage and repair services. Transferring funds from the U.S. to pay for boat repairs in Cuba is complicated by restrictions codified in U.S. law relating to commercial transactions with the Government of Cuba. A Treasury license is required for such payments.

Bransher wrote:.......again from the U.S. Department of State web page, more food for thought:

The waters around Cuba can be dangerous to navigation. Since 1993 there have been at least ten shipwrecks involving U.S. citizens. U.S. boaters who have encountered problems requiring repairs in Cuba have found repair services to be expensive and frequently not up to U.S. standards

I wonder if the same things couldn't be said for the Bahamas, or even the Keys... 10 in 14 years doesn't sound like a lot to me...

As someone who was born and raised in Jamaica, I can tell you that the charts for most of the caribbean are notoriously unreliable and are based on very old British Admiralty surveys (some are over 100 years old). Add to that poor maintenance of nav aids, non-working lighthouses etc. and you have a situation where local knowledge is priceless.

In addition to that, in Jamaica at least the sea floor is very dynamic with shoals popping up suddenly and disappearing suddenly in many areas. I dont know or understand the science behind it but it is what it is.

I have been to Cuba several times on hunting trips and found it to be a wonderful place with wonderful people especially if you go outside Havana into the country areas. I am generalizing of course, but most people just go about their lives and dont hold very strong political views communist or otherwise. As far as the government is concerned, regardless of their ideology they NEED US dollars to survive and recognize that tourism is a gold mine and treat tourists accordingly. There is a very large tourist market that has emerged there in the past ten years (mostly europeans) and I have never met one who was not happy with the experience.

I understand that it is difficult for a US citizen to visit Cuba legally, but that does not mean that people who do have the opportunity to go will be treated badly.

Kelly

Kelly

If someone were to sail their Mac to Cuba, and in the “unlikely event that an accident or some sort of boat failure did occur” (I borrowed part of that phrase from the airlines), here is what you might be up against:

1) Repair services are expensive and frequently not up to U.S. standards.
2) It is not permitted by law for U.S. persons to use such repair services in non-emergency situations.
3) Any U.S. person who makes use of Cuban repair facilities should be prepared to provide documentary evidence demonstrating the emergency nature of that activity.
4) The government of Cuba often holds boats as collateral to assure payment for salvage and repair services.
5) Credit cards issued by U.S. financial institutions are not valid in Cuba. Personal checks drawn on U.S. banks are not accepted in Cuba.
6) Transferring funds from the U.S. to pay for boat repairs in Cuba is complicated by restrictions codified in U.S. law relating to commercial transactions with the Government of Cuba.
7) A Treasury license is required for such payments.
8) Probably not real easy to get this license since you are not legally supposed to be there anyway.

If your reason for sailing to Cuba was for vacation, this logistic nightmare, coupled with possible seizure of your boat, and maybe heavy fines or jail time upon your return home, just might put the damper on your vacation.

Also, consider this………..If you were to get sick, hurt, or require some sort of medical attention:
1) Travelers to the Havana area should be aware that U.S. and other foreign visitors are limited to using only the “tourist” Cira Garcia Hospital located in the Miramar neighborhood of Havana. Treatment at Cira Garcia and any other medical consultation would require that U.S. travelers pay in cash.
2) No medical facility in Cuba will accept U.S. issued insurance cards and medical services will need to be paid for in cash.
3) While medical professionals are generally competent, many health facilities face shortages of medical supplies and bed space.

Bottom line……….I’m sure Cuba is a beautiful place, and its people friendly, courteous, and kind. But for a peaceful and relaxing vacation, you would be wise to go somewhere else.

Let me start by first saying that I dont think sailing a Mac to Cuba is technically feasible regardless of whether it is an appropriate destination or not, so we are talking hypotheticals here... maybe a non-Mac boat. Secondly, I realize that it is next to impossible for a US citizen to legally enter Cuba so this is basically limited to others, I AM NOT CONDONING BREAKING THE LAW.

As far as the rest of the arguments... questionable repair and medical facilities, this is true although in my opinion exagerated by the web site you quote. Having travelled a lot throughout the Caribbean and Central America, I can tell you that there are many other places which are just as bad and sometimes worse in terms of facilities. Yes they will accept traveller's checks and credit cards (at an extortionate exchange rate) but otherwise no advantages... forget about insurance cards. Basically what it boils down to is... if you want to have all the comforts of home, then stay home. If you decide to sail to Bermuda and halfway there you have an accidental jibe and split your head open on the boom. You are bleeding heavily and have a concussion. A Cuban hospital would probably look very appealing at that point compared to the first aid kit stored under the V berth.

Travel and adventure to see new places and cultures will always have some inherent risk involved. Some people like to play it safe and stay in familiar surroundings which is fine and is their right. Others, provided it is legal, like to expand their horizons. For those people, I say Cuba is a place you will never forget.

Kelly

this is true although in my opinion exagerated by the web site you quote.

What? A government web site exaggerates information about a country they dont like? Say it aint so....sounds like our gov. are guilty of some of the same things they charge the Cubans imho....

It's none of the gub'ments bizness where I choose to go in the world...it's that that life and liberty thing..

Speaking of Cuba . . .
If we put all 12 million illegal aliens on a big bus and drove it to Gitmo in Cuba and let them escape they would be Castro's problem.

Ha! That would be the Mariel boat lift of 1980 in reverse wouldnt it.

Kelly