Florida-Havana powerboat rally will be staged next week
The first Florida-to-Havana powerboat rally in 58 years will begin next Tuesday (May 17), marking the revival of this nautical activity between the United States and the island.
Some 90 U.S. boatsmen will take part in an event first staged in 1922 and put on hold six decades ago, said José Miguel Díaz Escrich, commodore of the Hemingway International Nautical Club, during a press conference this week in Havana.
Plans were made for 20 powerboats to leave Key West at 8 a.m. next Tuesday, arriving in Havana Bay between 10:30 and 11 a.m. There, they will perform exhibitions along the Malecón and the mouth of the Almendares River.
Sponsored by the Key West Yacht Club, the three-day gathering will serve as an opportunity for the signing of a friendship pact between the Pompano Beach-based Florida Powerboat Club and the Hemingway Club, enabling future rallies, Díaz Escrich told the Cuban News Agency.
This week, Stu Jones, president of the Florida Powerboat Club, posted the following message in the club’s website:
“After 50 years, Cuba is quickly moving towards a more promising future for adventurous boaters who want to explore this vast cruising ground, which has been off limits due to political and legal restrictions.
“The Florida-Havana Powerboat Rally is Florida Powerboat Club’s first step to opening the doors to new destinations and immersion into the Cuban culture and the unique lifestyle of this island republic. More importantly, it must be understood that the gates are not wide open, nor will the Cuban economy ever adapt to a system of free enterprise, which we are so accustomed to in North America. Strict rules and entry requirements still exist, and tight controls by the Cuban government of all economic activity, particularly international visitation, place uncommon guidelines on all matters of entry, commerce, and daily activities of visiting groups.
“Even the acquisition of high-octane fuel and adequate marine services remain a large void in our boating agenda. Therefore, all participants must be prepared, and come prepared, to deal with any mechanical issues or fuel octane needs, so that they can return to Florida safely.
“For these reasons, FPC had to adopt a new event model entirely, with a registration cap of 20 boats, a limited agenda of just two nights, and a fixed room inventory of only 50 hotel rooms. Additionally, all activities of our attendees, from arrival at Marina Hemingway to dining plans, tours and activities, and hotel accommodations, are under the close scrutiny of the Cuban government, and the designated tour company that is managing our agenda. As such, no further registrations are available, and we apologize to those who were unable to attend our first round.
“As president of Florida Powerboat Club, you have my commitment that I will make this event a learning experience, and move as quickly as possible to attaining the best network of travel and marine partners in Cuba, to ensure a repeat event, perhaps even before the end of 2016. Certainly, in years to come, weíd like to make Cuba a top priority with a series of events every year, because we are very aware of how many of our club members, already have this on their boating bucket list!”
Photos and video from the Florida Powerboat Club website.
