NEWS AND NOTES
Blue Water Sailing
January 29, 2009
Obama admin may lift travel bans on Cuba
President Obama has said previously he favors relaxing restrictions on travel and cash remittances. This could mean that American cruising sailors in the Caribbean would have a whole new sailing ground opened up.
Sen. Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday the incoming Obama administration wanted to lift travel restrictions on families wishing to visit relatives in Cuba and urged Havana to make its own concessions.
Speaking at her Senate confirmation hearing, Clinton said she hoped the Cuban government would look at freeing political prisoners and open up the economy.
"The president-elect (Barack Obama) is committed to lifting the family travel restrictions and the remittance restrictions." she said.
Obama has said previously he favors relaxing restrictions on travel and cash remittances.
'Sailing routes around the coast and islands of Cuba - soon could be crowded...' Photo courtesy of sail-world.com.
The balmy trade winds come from the north east, so cruising guides recommend sailing the southerly lee shore from west to east, and circumnavigate that way.
Cuba also offers divers and snorkelers some exquisite coral reefs, and of course there's much to enjoy after the sun goes down and the Cubano rhythms begin.
With things moving fast in the new administration, it maybe won't be long before the marinas, anchorages and harbours of Cuba are full of exploring Americans.
Reuters
I for one, can hardly wait.
by Nancy Birnbaum, Online Editor
