Position 21:37.35N 81:33.79W

 

After saying our farewells to Paul and wishing him fair winds for his mammoth trip to the Azores we headed off for the cayos, the reef islands that are scattered along much of the coast of Cuba. The first island was Cayo Guano de Este. This has a a massive lighthouse built like a rocket by the Russians.  We spent a rolly night close to the shore. The wind blew through out the night and would have given Paul a good send off but we were hoping for calm. I had hoped to do some exploring but the sea was a bit lumpy. 

 

30 April

We were now inside the reef and moving in shallow waters. 6m, then 4m and then down to 2m under the keel but no problem. Our pilot book gave good instructions on where and where not to venture. Very often the bottom was sandy, white sand and the sea was an amazing turquoise colour. We passed close by to Cayo de Dios supposedly good for snorkelling but in the windy conditions we didn’t stop. A further 12 nm within the reef before breaking through into deeper waters as we passed by the Island of Cayo Largo. At the western end there is a small marina and anchorage. We pulled into the marina, went through the C&I formalities and headed for the bar. No beer! This is not uncommon. Believe it or not the beer is arrive on the plane from Habana at 23 00. The May Day celebrations start at 23 30. Anyone for warm beer. Cayo Largo is a holiday island. there are a number of hotels, some have WiFi so I am hoping that you will get this at some time in the near future.

 

Here in Cuba they celebrate the Workers Revolution so the May Day Parade in Cayo Largo which started at midnight was a noisy and happy procession of the workers. Representatives of the hotels, the customs and immigration, the clinic, the street cleaners every worker was out on the town having a good time. All this was taking place in the marina complex which serves as a focal point for the island. The music carried on well into the early hours. The beer did eventually arrive at about midnight, straight off the plane and warm.

 

Talk on the streets is that Key West C&I authorities are not the friendliest. It is not illegal for a British Flagged boat to visit Cuba but it is for a US boat, or US citizen for that matter to visit Cuba unless on a specially sanctioned visit for educational or medical purposes. We have heard of non US boats who have visited Cuba being subsequently refused entry to the US at Key West. When the C&I authorities are out on a limb they can make the rules as you go along. So it looks as through we will miss Key West unless there are compelling reasons and head straight for Fort Lauderdale.

 

The Rocket Lighthouse at Cayo Guano Este plus supply ship

 

Tucked up in the Marina at Cayo Largo

 

Marina Cayo Largo, including the bar with no beer.

 

MayDay Parade in Cayo Largo

 

Some Hotel Workers

 

Not sure who this Individual is representing. I hope the US Authorities are not following this Blog