The 8th edition of the Conch Republic Cup (CRC) has scheduled a 9 day event which includes three cities in Cuba and the USA. With 3 distance races and 2 inshore races planned,the competition commences when 55 entrants start on January 28 in Key West, FL for the 96nm course across the Florida Straits to Cuba. The event is being sponsored by Club Nautico International Hemingway De Cuba and the Key West Yacht Club.
For the first time in regatta history, and Commodore Jose Escrich of Club Nautico International Hemingway De Cuba plans to attend ace start in the South West Channel off Key West. This will be the first time that the Commodore has been in the United States for the start of such a race. There will be five starts for the five separate classes which include 2 racing mono hull classes,cruising lesson, multi hulls and a schooner lesson.
Commodore Escrich has also 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 effect 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, or Miami,an organization providing waterfront access in Miami for children & adults of all abilities, has entered the 60-foot wheelchair accessible custom catamaran 'Impossible Dream'.
The list of participating yachts has grown to include several boats also competing in Quantum Key West Race Week being held January 18-22 and a couple of them going on to the Miami to Havana race, and February 10-13. The full list of participants can be found on http://yachtscoring.com/event_scratch_sheet.cfm?eID=1259.
Full report... click here.
Source: sailingscuttlebutt.com