HAVANA, Jan. 28th Just 90 miles from the coast of Key West is Havana. It has been and elusive sailing destination since 1961 when the US imposed an economic embargo against Cuba. Now for the first time the United States has begun to allow limited boat travel to Cuba.
This will not be the first time the CRC has raced to Cuba but it will be the first time with government approval. Our goal is to provide a world class format for racers to have a challenging race across the Gulf Stream to Cuba.
Key West and Havana have shared a long maritime connection. It has been a unique relationship not shared with the the rest of the US. We are positioning this race on the Jan 2016 calendar hoping to attract racers who have just completed Key West Race Week (KWRW) and racers on their way to the Caribbean racing season. It is an opportunity not to be missed!
Schedule of Events
Race Headquarters will be at Dante’s 951 Caroline St., Key West
January 27th
4:30-6:30 check in at Dante’s
5:30 Skippers Meeting
6-8 Welcome Party
January 28th
10:30-12:30 check in at Dante’s
5pm Race Start
Key West Harbor – Michele Geslin Memorial Cup – Key West to Varadero
January 29th
Arrival in Varadero at Marina Gaviota
January 30th
5pm – Skippers meeting (For both Varadero Cup and Cuba Coast Challenge)
6pm – Welcome party at Marina Gaviota
January 31st
10am – Race Start – Varadero Cup – Buoy Races
6pm – Awards Party for Michele Geslin Memorial Cup and Varadero Cup
February 1st
10am – Race Start – Cuba Coast Challenge- Varadero to Havana
Arrival in Marina Hemingway
February 2nd
5 pm – Skippers meeting (for both Castillo Del Morro Cup and Havana to Key West Cup)
6pm – Welcome Party at Marina Hemingway
February 3rd
10 am – Race Start – Castillo Del Morro Cup – Buoy Races
6 pm – Awards Party for Cuba Coast Challenge and Castillo Del Morro at Marina Hemingway
February 4th – Lay Day
February 5th
5pm – Race Start – Havana to Key West Cup
February 6th
Arrival in Key West and customs check in
6 pm – Awards Banquet at Dante’s for Havana to Key West Cup and Overall Trophy for Conch Republic Cup