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CUBA CRUISE? - RELATIONS CHANGING TODAY
- Thread starter Byrdman
- Start date
Robert H. Wilkinson
New member
Us Canadians have been going there for years! It is interesting to see all the old cars, well maintained and running fine! From my observations there it showed a strength of the people to learn to live and survive with what they had available without normal trade with neighbors.
Regards, Rob
P.S. Patrick if you check out my Trent Severn album I added a few pictures of a Rosie 246 that I met on my travels. Love them!! I was lamenting with the owner that A great Canadian company had been taken over by a US company. He said he had been talking to somebody that was having one built. Apparently they were impressed with the job Eastern was doing on the new builds. This sounded reassuring. Would be a shame if such a great custom built boat was cheapened/degraded for the sake of being mass produced.
Regards, Rob
P.S. Patrick if you check out my Trent Severn album I added a few pictures of a Rosie 246 that I met on my travels. Love them!! I was lamenting with the owner that A great Canadian company had been taken over by a US company. He said he had been talking to somebody that was having one built. Apparently they were impressed with the job Eastern was doing on the new builds. This sounded reassuring. Would be a shame if such a great custom built boat was cheapened/degraded for the sake of being mass produced.
When I was stationed at Guantanamo in the '50's Cuba was run by a dictator, Fulgencio Bautista, and some say owned by gangsters Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. Castro and his band of revolutionaries were in the Sierra Maestra mountains nearby. While skirmishes would be fought in the towns, Boqueron, Camaguey, and Guantanamo City, we could go there on liberty and many Cubans worked on the base. Cuban beer, Hatuey, was a favorite at the enlisted club and the ball field was named Hatuey Field.
journey on
New member
A few comments on the Cuban situation.
First, Vietnam is a communist country as is China. Yet we do business with them, often to the detriment of our own citizens. Why should Cuba be different? They're no threat to our businesses, except our baseball teams.
Next, if we resume relationships with Cuba, they may not be as willing to made deals with our opponents. Remember, they're not an affluent country and they have to get help from where they can. We certainly have those deals with countries. They're not driving those 50s and 60s cars just because they think it's a neat thing to do.
And, what has Cuba really done to us? How many of our people have they killed? How often have they attacked us? So why do we treat Cuba differently? The Floridian politicians are very vocal regarding Cuban democracy, but it is on the return of refugees property on hich they seem to focus. One such property is Bacardi Rum, for example, which is doing well in the Bahamas. We didn't require that for Vietnam so why for Cuba? Probably more ex-Cubans vote in Florida than ex-Vietnamise in California.
I missed my opportunity to visit Cuba when we were in Florida, but it should be a lovely place to cruise. I think it shouldn't be reserved for those Canadians, Europeans, etc.
Boris
First, Vietnam is a communist country as is China. Yet we do business with them, often to the detriment of our own citizens. Why should Cuba be different? They're no threat to our businesses, except our baseball teams.
Next, if we resume relationships with Cuba, they may not be as willing to made deals with our opponents. Remember, they're not an affluent country and they have to get help from where they can. We certainly have those deals with countries. They're not driving those 50s and 60s cars just because they think it's a neat thing to do.
And, what has Cuba really done to us? How many of our people have they killed? How often have they attacked us? So why do we treat Cuba differently? The Floridian politicians are very vocal regarding Cuban democracy, but it is on the return of refugees property on hich they seem to focus. One such property is Bacardi Rum, for example, which is doing well in the Bahamas. We didn't require that for Vietnam so why for Cuba? Probably more ex-Cubans vote in Florida than ex-Vietnamise in California.
I missed my opportunity to visit Cuba when we were in Florida, but it should be a lovely place to cruise. I think it shouldn't be reserved for those Canadians, Europeans, etc.
Boris
schiavolou
New member
Forget the politics - what a cool, "Bucket List" destination.
Byrdman - get it on the events page and sign us up!
Byrdman - get it on the events page and sign us up!
stclairgal
New member
Me too! Want to go to Cuba, the Keys, and Bahamas on my C-Dory! Also the North Channel of northern Lake Huron. Just need time off and a trailer/tow combo! Wolfgang also says he's interested!
Sign us up!
Joyce and Wolfgang
Sign us up!
Joyce and Wolfgang
tomtom1941
New member
Sign us up, too. Been waiting for this for a long time. Would make a great several week cruise.
Let's check out the approved categories and find one we can fit in.
Tom
Let's check out the approved categories and find one we can fit in.
Tom
Some years back I wintered in the Exumas. A few couples were experienced and
very pro on Cuba and so gave Sunday AM beach presentations to many interested
on "Going to Cuba".
This group wasn't interested in older cars; rather "virgin reefs" to snorkel,
"world class" fishing (both line and spear) along with "untouched" beaches and
landscapes.
That appealed to me. But now, I'd go for the rum, cigars and friendly people.
And there's another dark greasy side to Cuba. Remember the US invasion of
Grenada. Not too long afterwards, I caught word from many locals a few
islands up, St Lucia I think, who warmly welcomed the US for defeating the
Cuban invasion. I heard from several who lost family to the Cuban forces
doing all the wartime unmentionables to the locals - men, women, children =
as they swept through the island chain before the US arrival.
Methinks there is still anti US feelings alive there on the dictatorship side but,
by now, who of us gringos would be able to tell walking around drooling on their cars?
Aye.
Grandma used to say, "Remember. There are two sides to a coin."
very pro on Cuba and so gave Sunday AM beach presentations to many interested
on "Going to Cuba".
This group wasn't interested in older cars; rather "virgin reefs" to snorkel,
"world class" fishing (both line and spear) along with "untouched" beaches and
landscapes.
That appealed to me. But now, I'd go for the rum, cigars and friendly people.
And there's another dark greasy side to Cuba. Remember the US invasion of
Grenada. Not too long afterwards, I caught word from many locals a few
islands up, St Lucia I think, who warmly welcomed the US for defeating the
Cuban invasion. I heard from several who lost family to the Cuban forces
doing all the wartime unmentionables to the locals - men, women, children =
as they swept through the island chain before the US arrival.
Methinks there is still anti US feelings alive there on the dictatorship side but,
by now, who of us gringos would be able to tell walking around drooling on their cars?
Aye.
Grandma used to say, "Remember. There are two sides to a coin."
I can't speak to Cuba directly, but when I have boated to other countries in which you would expect to find some anti US bias (because of history), I have found the regular everyday people to be very open and friendly to one individual visitor (vs. perhaps, a faceless "nation") - especially one who went to the extra effort to arrive by small boat and who is genuinely interested in the country and its people.
I went in expecting to feel like the Ugly American and instead met nice people who were as interested in me as I was them - person to person. It was a nice surprise. Were there others who had bad feelings I didn't know about - probably, almost surely. And I never lost the awareness that compared to many locals, I was a "billionaire" (we had people come aboard who would have been extremely happy just to have one empty 5-gallon jerry jug, never mind the fuel or water inside it). But the overwhelming feeling was of people interested in getting to know other people.
I went in expecting to feel like the Ugly American and instead met nice people who were as interested in me as I was them - person to person. It was a nice surprise. Were there others who had bad feelings I didn't know about - probably, almost surely. And I never lost the awareness that compared to many locals, I was a "billionaire" (we had people come aboard who would have been extremely happy just to have one empty 5-gallon jerry jug, never mind the fuel or water inside it). But the overwhelming feeling was of people interested in getting to know other people.
Sunbeam, you are so right. My years in the Caribbean and South America taught me that people treat you with the same respect you give them. That goes for fellow cruisers as well as locals. I helped stoke a fire for a pig roast given by a retired IBM executive officer in the DR (hosted by SV Champagne), and I stirred a pot of goat souse under a tin one room hut in Grenada (Guest of a local military guard). Governments always seem to have differences. People are people.
Up until a few years ago there was an annual race to Cuba. It was "hosted" by the Yacht club in Hemmingway Marina. This was basically stopped by the US Coast Guard--on orders from above. I have many friends who have cruised Cuba in the late 90's and early 2000's. It only takes a change of policy. Cuba will not stamp your passports. The South Coast of Cuba is still a cruising paradise. We were going to check in at Isle of Pines, but then the 2 US planes were shot down (I believe that was in 1996) and we chickened out. A few months later I talked to several boat owners who had been in Cuba during and after this time--no problems. There are still US boats visiting Cuba--they just go from Bahamas, or Isla and don't get the passports stamped. Is there a risk, upon returning to the US--yes.
One of my friends who has a Pastor's certificate from the Church of the Open Garage Door (or something like that) visited Cuba about 3 years ago on a "mission". No problems, since he had permission. Others have been journalists. It is possible.
One of my friends who has a Pastor's certificate from the Church of the Open Garage Door (or something like that) visited Cuba about 3 years ago on a "mission". No problems, since he had permission. Others have been journalists. It is possible.
One of the posts informed about the Americans that Cuba has killed. Just remember we lost 55,000 in Vietnam which is a communist country. We do business with Vietnam today and American tourist visit all the time. Look at the items for sale in every store that come from China. We have a large amount of trade and travel with China today and they are a communist country.
Cuba is not a military threat. Cuba is not a financial threat. Cuba is not a moral threat so why shouldn't we have good relations with Cuba. Business, travel and tourism would certainly help the Cubans and the Cuban government would have more money to fix up the old buildings that need much renovation.
For over 50 years we have had a iron tighly clasped fist towards Cuba and insist that "they do it our way" and it has not worked and never will.
Why don't we extend our warm open hand of friendship and see if that will maybe work.
When the 2016 Presidential election occurs I have already made up my mind as how my vote will be cast. It will be for the candidate that who is favorable to CUBA.
Cuba is not a military threat. Cuba is not a financial threat. Cuba is not a moral threat so why shouldn't we have good relations with Cuba. Business, travel and tourism would certainly help the Cubans and the Cuban government would have more money to fix up the old buildings that need much renovation.
For over 50 years we have had a iron tighly clasped fist towards Cuba and insist that "they do it our way" and it has not worked and never will.
Why don't we extend our warm open hand of friendship and see if that will maybe work.
When the 2016 Presidential election occurs I have already made up my mind as how my vote will be cast. It will be for the candidate that who is favorable to CUBA.
Taking your own boat to Cuba? Well... maybe I sold my boat too soon? I had a list of things I wanted to do with our C-Dory, but cruising to Cuba wasn't even on our radar.
Like Dr. Bob, I once considered crewing on a boat (or taking ours) for the race from KW to Cuba. Then the Coast Guard cracked down on boats coming back, threatening to confiscate boats! No thanks.
But, I like the direction this is headed.
Happy New Year,
Jim
Like Dr. Bob, I once considered crewing on a boat (or taking ours) for the race from KW to Cuba. Then the Coast Guard cracked down on boats coming back, threatening to confiscate boats! No thanks.
But, I like the direction this is headed.
Happy New Year,
Jim
Robert H. Wilkinson
New member
damason":2dvb8k69 said:One of the posts informed about the Americans that Cuba has killed. Just remember we lost 55,000 in Vietnam which is a communist country. We do business with Vietnam today and American tourist visit all the time. Look at the items for sale in every store that come from China. We have a large amount of trade and travel with China today and they are a communist country.
Cuba is not a military threat. Cuba is not a financial threat. Cuba is not a moral threat so why shouldn't we have good relations with Cuba. Business, travel and tourism would certainly help the Cubans and the Cuban government would have more money to fix up the old buildings that need much renovation.
For over 50 years we have had a iron tighly clasped fist towards Cuba and insist that "they do it our way" and it has not worked and never will.
Why don't we extend our warm open hand of friendship and see if that will maybe work.
Thank you damason - spot on IMO.
A few more points you forgot to mention,,,
How much better the former evil, corrupt, repressive and "American Approved" dictator was(Batista).
Military threat? Has the US forgot who invaded who(Bay Of Pigs)? Then for years attempted to secretly assassinate the new Cuban President?
Castro's revolution and the reason it was successful is because he wished to bring control of his countries future back to the people. Batista was in bed with large American companies that were exploiting Cuban labour and raw materials.
One reason they sided with Russia was because after the US banned imports, Russia agreed to purchase their sugar. This being one of the islands main sources of income - who could blame them?
The US has violated the original lease for Guantanamo Bay(signed by the President) which allowed for its use as a harbour. Using it to imprison terrorists or others the Bush administration did not like so that they were not required to be given the rights guaranteed prisoners under US law is in contravention of that lease. Many years ago in protest Cuba began refusing to cash the checks from the US for this lease. Does that sound like the actions of a barbaric or warlike nation? To me it sounds like the peaceful protest of a gentleman.
Yes it is human nature to want freedom yet Cubans have jobs, food, housing, medicare, etc. Basic needs that many in North America do not have, so who is better off some would argue.
I had the opportunity to visit Cuba 3 years ago and I have to agree with Sunbeam and others that people are people despite the best efforts of some governments to change them. WE could learn from them - they appreciate the things they have take care of them and repair them when they break. Far more advanced than North America environmentally. We criticize China for polluting yet it is us that buy their cheap - use once and throw away products.
OK I'm done now, sorry if this rant offends anyone!
Regards, Rob
In 2006 we went from the Bahamas to Cuba on our sailboat as GUESTS of a Canadian boat. At that time you could go to Cuba, but it was illegal to spend money there. As GUESTS of another country's citizen, it was legal. The south coast was pristine. I remember buying a small garbage bag full of lobster tails for $20 US, and they seemed glad to get the dollars.
A friend of ours lost one of their masts on the north coast and when calling on the SSB, was denied entrance, even though in a storm and in an emergency. He and his wife entered port anyway. They were detained and questioned by authorities. While they spoke some Spanish, the locals spoke no English. Somewhere during the conversation, the word "embarrassed" came up. The locals took it to mean "embarrazado" (pregnant}. From then on, thinking she was pregnant, the Cubans were very cordial and helpful, helping them repair their boat then sending them on their way. They had only good things to say about their experience.
A friend of ours lost one of their masts on the north coast and when calling on the SSB, was denied entrance, even though in a storm and in an emergency. He and his wife entered port anyway. They were detained and questioned by authorities. While they spoke some Spanish, the locals spoke no English. Somewhere during the conversation, the word "embarrassed" came up. The locals took it to mean "embarrazado" (pregnant}. From then on, thinking she was pregnant, the Cubans were very cordial and helpful, helping them repair their boat then sending them on their way. They had only good things to say about their experience.