In 24 hours switching skyline from the coast of Cuba to Florida

2 May 2016

Update by Ute:
“When sailing towards the coast of Cuba we easily could navigate on the lights of Havana which from a 30 miles’ distance were visible at the horizon. I realize that the first picture that pops up in my mind are the Havana cigars. Dreaming about its cigars, free thoughts about the future of Cuba which borders will open up in due time and looking for refugee boats make the lights of Havana come closer. Sam, our guest from Texas, explains that Cuban refugees still try to reach the US as they already planned their trips and paid for it to the smugglers, they won’t wait till all free travelling is put into practice. In Europe refugees from Syria and African countries boarding boats is still news, here for the Cubans boats have been for many years their dream to freedom. Sharing our experiences some of us had before in Cuba, time is passing by. The Cuba coast is still 12 miles away when we decide to tack. More about Cuba can be explored with the ‘Oosterschelde’ next year, when the ship will pay a visit; you will have plenty of time to explore the island and make you own story! Heading for Key West, steering 12 hours 35-45 degrees. 
I realize how fantastic it is to be so far away from home and overnight shift from dreaming about Cuban cigars to my Florida experiences in 1997 when being the land crew of a Dutch catamaran team participating the Worrel1000, a catamaran sailing race from Miami to Virginia Beach. That is the great present you get when sailing on a ship, you go by the wind and your mind follows the flow. 
While touching Florida on its most southerly point, Key West, we were treated to a tuna on the hook by sunset. Only 1/3 of the fish was left on the hook when it was pulled on board the other part most probably was swallowed by a shark, imagine sharks! Maarten cleaned the tuna on deck, Annique followed each step of this process enjoying her new experience: “I have never seen this before”. Pretty quick we were all called back in the world of sailing as the coast is not flexible and we were approaching it at 6 knots. A new sailing plan had to be put into practice. All on deck to lower the sails, which is not a punishment but just a tactic to make some more miles in the right direction and head for the winds just north of the Bahama’s, so the sails can be set again tomorrow morning. While all were busy with the sails the cook took the tuna and sliced it with his sharp knife. At dinner we enjoyed tonight the most delicious fresh tuna sushi. For any one joining us later on this trip, we do have plenty wasabi and soy sauce for sushi on board, what lacks is Brasso to clean and make the cupper shine, so do bring a can of Brasso please!”