Santiago de Cuba

It took us about 2 weeks to work us down the Bahamas towards windward and sail the final leg of about 180 miles around the south-eastern tip of the island to Santiago de Cuba. The US Coastguard checked our boat several times from the air and the sea before we were dismissed to the communists.

We had to struggle a bit with calm winds before our outboarder brought us safely into the bay of Santiago de Cuba. Clearing in was far less bureaucratic and cumbersome than expected. Everyone was friendly and we believe it helped that we are a small boat and that we speak Spanish.

A word from a guest on board:
I have been part of the Prins Henrik crew for almost three weeks, from Nassau to Santiago de Cuba. It was a great experience. The turquoise, shallow water and small islands of the Bahamas, the dolphins (see picture) and the buzzing towns of Cuba.

A special experience was the visits to the small societies at remote Bahamian islands. That was a quiet life. People were mostly just sitting and watching or moved around in slow-motion. In the case of Matthew Town, Great Inagua, we saw the impact of the hurricane Ike that hit the place last September. All houses were damaged with broken roofs or plates covering the windows. Tiles and construction debris were everywhere on the ground, and besides of the new communication antenna the old one was still standing, but totally crumpled up.

Cuba was very different with lots of people and activity everywhere. The houses were incredibly worn out, illustrating what many years without maintenance can do to a formerly beautiful town. The streets were still picturesque though, but with a depressing feeling of hopelessness.

During my whole stay, the most pleasing experience was the warm hospitality of Rainer and Jochen. Lacking sailing skills I was no help at all during the long days and nights on the tiny ship, but I still felt most welcome and well treated. I can highly recommend a visit!

Thank you very much, Rainer and Jochen.
Anders