As the day unfolded, winds remained low, even to only 4 kts, sails were furled and we drove westward. To our port side and only 12 miles away, lay the Cuban barrier islands on its north eastern shore. A virtual string of them, low in aspect, but clearly visible. Since the opening of a U.S. Embassy in Havanna earlier this year, relations between our two countries has improved. However, for cruising boats there are still many restrictions and State Department permits required to enter Cuban ports.
For me, I feel lucky and cherish the two racing opportunities that I had, Tampa to Havanna, in the late 90s. In 1998 on the former Moonbeam, a 40 ft sailboat and then again in 1999 on a somewhat smaller sailboat owned by my son, David, and his wife. Both strong and vivid memories now.
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