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Havana

 

Three days ago, we arrived at Hemingway Marina, just west of Havana. It was a three days sail (and motoring) from Puerto Vita, the easternmost port of entry. On the way, we experienced everything from perfect sailing conditions to dead calm - and a small gale. But overall it was a trouble-free trip with just the two of us on board. Cuba has a suprisingly long coastline. Going from Puerto Vita to Havana is the same distance as from Lindesnes to Lofoten.

 

Most of the Cuban north coast consists of very shallow waters and large offshore cays. We anchored one night outside Cayo Coco to get a good nights sleep. It's weird that the depth sensor shows only 4-5 meters when we are five kilometers from land. And the water is crystal clear! When Cuba lifts their extremely tight rules for private cruising, it will without doubt become a cruiser's paradise. Most of the coastline is completely unspoiled. There are no boats along the coast. Locals cannot own yachts, and foreigners are under strict regulations when it comes to anchoring. On our three day trip, we didn't see any other boats, except for larger vessels in the shipping lane on our starboard side. No fishing boats, and no private yachts.

 

Most of the tourism on Cuba is concentrated around huge, luxurious all inclusive resorts, of which there are plenty. And for cruisers, we are only allowed to stay in designated, government owned marinas. If we anchor offshore, we're not allowed to go ashore. The marinas are nice, however, and for us it's a luxury to finally have access to unlimited shore power and fresh water!

 

At 7 am Sunday morning, Kristine called for the captain, who was sleeping below deck. We were passing Havana just as the sun climbed over the horizon. A rare view of the city skyline revealed itself, with the red morning sun reflecting in the glass windows of the many skyscrapers. A wonderful view!

 

In Hemingway Marina, there are two other Norwegian boats. Sunday we went out to eat and had a good time with the crew. The next day, we were off to explore Havana. The town is by far the most interesting place we have visited on our trip. It's an amazing mix of old and new, rich and poor, beautiful and ugly. Cigars and mojiotos are plentiful, and the cars are pretty much remains from the 1950's. Cuba must be experienced. We're loving it!

 

Marina Hemingway

 

Studerer kart før avreise til USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Che Guevara

 

 

A Cuban supermarket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquirí in El Floridita.

 

Mojitos

 

 

 

 

 

The Russian embassy.

 

 

 

Cuba in a nutshell.

 

Tied up longside in the huge Marina Hemingway.

 

We passed Havana just at the sun came over the horizon. A stunning view!

 

Havana skyline.

 

Marina Hemingway. Built in the 1950's. An ambitious project. No floating docks, but big concrete canals.

 

Sailing in to yet another sunset...

 

Blue sky, warm sun and white sails...

 

Perfect sailing conditions. We did 7,5 knots for 24 hours, before the wind died.

 

The sun is setting.

 

Kristine baking scones at sea, on the way to Havana.

 

The marina in Puerto Vita. Lots of boats, many Americans.

 

 

No servo steering, but a large stereo.

 

Taking a 1959 Chevrolet taxi.

 

Some gecko-looking animal.

 

People are playing "Chan Chan" everywhere.

 

 

The beach in Guardalavaca.

 

Kristine is buying a Cuban courtesy flag.

 

Wooden toy cars.

 

A tourist market in Guardalavaca.

 

Cuba is full of American cars from the 1950's, before the trade embargo. Maybe fifty percent of the cars are veteran cars. The rest is various Russian or European cars.