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Cuba
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Cuba is a magical new destination with some of the world’s finest beaches, a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant approach to life.
Cuba incorporates a fascinating blend of Latin American and Spanish cultures. Sail in the warm northeast trade winds, dive and snorkel on some of the most exquisite coral reefs in the Caribbean and when the sun goes down, party to the salsa rhythms.
Where can I sail in Cuba?
Cienfuegos 
Cienfuegos is one of Cuba’s largest and most prospering cities, with a tourist marina very close to the French-style centre. Filled with entertainment and eateries, the city is a hub of activity for shopping or just soaking up the Cuban culture. From the base at Cienfuegos, there are two main island groups to explore along the southern shore of Cuba.
Sailing westward will take you through the Canarreos Archipelago, a 90 km stretch of small to medium sized islands with hundreds of anchorages. First day's sail is to Cayo Guano del Este, a 50nm passage, at the eastern end of the archipelago - just a one mile long and one mile wide deserted key which serves as an ideal first stop. Then sail on to Cayo Largo, a tourist resort with spectacular beaches including 'Playa Sirena', the most beautiful beach in the area. Other islands including Cayo del Rosario, Cayo Cantiles and Cayo Campos have coral seabeds teeming with tropical fish. The turtle and crocodile farms and the natural pools at Cayo Rico are worth a visit. In 2 weeks you could sail round Isla de la Juventud and back to Cienfuegos.
Cruising east will bring you to the beautiful Ancón Beach, Cayo Blanco, Cayo Machos de Afuera and Cayo Cino Balas on your way to the Jardines de la Reina marine park, a stunning, uninhabited area protected by one of the world's longest coral barrier reefs. Here you can wind your way through channels along the keys amidst a stunning variety of marine life, iguana, pelicans, flamingos and spoonbills.
Distances are not for the faint-hearted, especially at the start of the itinerary to get from Cienfuegos to the archipelagos. Expect some passages of 50-60nm. Although you are not to sail at night within the reef areas, there is no objection to sailing in deep waters in the dark or you can leave early to make a daylight landfall.
What's the weather like for sailing in Cuba?
Constant trade winds benefit the more sheltered south coast generally from an east to north-easterly direction. During the winter months, winds blow between 15-25 knots and 5-10 knots in summer, when calm times are also possible Hurricanes are limited to the late summer months of September and October.
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