The 8th sailing of the Conch Republic Cup is fast approaching. Included in the fleet are multihulls ranging from a 24' Dash 750 trimaran to a Lagoon 620 and schooners ranging from 45' to 84'. This event is being sponsored by our two host clubs, Club Nautico International Hemingway De Cuba and the Key West Yacht Club.
Commodore Jose Escrich of Club Nautico International Hemingway De Cuba has petitioned the Cuban Ministry Of the Interior on behalf of several Cuban born American citizens who wish to participate in the Conch Republic Cup. This would mark the first time in decades that a Cuban born American has been able to enter their home country by boat. Three of these people would be traveling aboard their own boats while several more will crew on the vessels of others.
Shake-A-Leg, Miami, an organization providing waterfront access in Miami for children & adults of all abilities, has entered the 60' wheelchair accessible custom catamaran "Impossible Dream". At a December 26th meeting with CRC 2016 Race Principals and Harry Horgan of Shake-A-Leg Commodore Escrich was asked if it would be possible to sail with disabled Cuban citizens during our visit. The Commodore expressed that he would like that very much and he will look into making this happen.
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 (approx 96 Nautical Miles)
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 (approx. 77 Nautical Miles)
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 (approx. 99 Nautical Miles)
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
