Departing Ft Lauderdale

We prepared SV Counting Stars to be loaded onto the cargo ship… with the help of Andy (SV OliLuki) and Pat (SV Chapter Two), the enclosures and all-weather cushions were removed and stowed; the sail bag and main sail were ratcheted to the boom, the forward sails were removed, folded and stowed in their sail bags in the saloon, all lines except for the main halyard and topping lift were removed and stowed in their line bags in the cockpit.

Bob and Pat navigated SV Counting Stars to closely pull along side the cargo ship, Kraszewski. The loading dive team dove to ensure the lifting straps were properly placed then she was lifted onto the cargo ship.

Salty Dawgs Rally to Cuba 2017 - 116nm

In April 2017, we were invited by Pat and Janet Hayes to crew on their 45ft Lagoon Catamaran (Chapter Two) as part of the Salty Dawgs “Rally to Cuba”. It was a 116nm downwind overnight passage… departing Stock Island Marina (Key West, FL) at 1730 on 4-April arriving Marina Hemingway (Havana, Cuba) at 0900 on 5-April. After clearing customs, we docked in our assigned slip and explored the marina. The Hemingway International Yacht Club officially welcomed the rally participants with a colorful and fun Welcome Party and closed our visit with a Farewell Dinner.

Salty Dawgs hosted this rally for 23 American vessels in compliance with OFAC requirements for US vessels and persons. As a participant, we were required to research on a range of topics of interest to those who may visit Cuba in the future, from marine issues to Cuban culture and cuisine. During the 14 day visit (5-17 April), research involved travels to many points in NW Cuba and throughout Havana, meetings and interviews with Cubans, visiting historical sites, attending cultural activities and events and sampling local cuisine. Articles were published in May 2017 to Salty Dawgs membership.

Chapter Two also transported donation supplies to be given to Cuban artists, crafts persons and specialty clubs.

Due to work schedules we were unable to crew on the return and flew home from Havana on 16-April. Grateful to have had this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to sail to and visit Cuba.