I've "registered" for this race, and it sounded like fun at first, but after reading all the posts, I've got a long list of questions.
Questions/Concerns that I have:
1. What boats are allowed to enter? (Besides the broad 18-22ft) statement.
Personally, I think this should be limited to a few classes of boats that can be 1. righted by a two man crew, and 2. Are roughly the same speed. Boats that can’t be self righted should NOT be allowed, period. And boats of the same general speed will stay closer together and can potentially aid each other in the event of an emergency, (ie someone gets separated from their boat, etc).
2. What is the minimum experience required to enter?
3. Will there be Chase boats?
4. What are the safety requirements?
5. What about dry gear for the days in Cuba? Can we ship dry clothes or do you need to pack everything on board? Can we send dry clothes in advance?
6. What are the legal/political/personal implications to going to Cuba? Would this affect your standing in the US with the homeland security department? Will you get a black mark on your passport? Will you get put on watch lists domestically?
7. What’s the weather like in November? Whats the seastate? Will they postpone if the weather is nasty? Or is this like the Tybee, you have to go or be penalized?
8. Where are we staying in Cuba? How will we get around? What if we don’t speak Spanish?
9. Why November? Is that the best time of the year to do this? Is there a better time of year?