San Diego, August 21 (RHC)-- For the first time in history, American sailors can now sail from Key West to Cuba as part of the 8th Key West-Cuba Race Week and enjoy several days of sailing in “the most stupendously beautiful, unspoiled, Caribbean waters you will ever see,” according to the Scuttlebutt Sailing News website.

Plus, for those sailors from Europe, South America, and some from the U.S., the Cuban sailors sure know how to host and throw a party! The Commodore of Club Nautico de la Habana, Jose Miguel Diaz Escrich, is extending a warm welcome to all that can make it to Marina Hemingway this year.

The event is scheduled right after 2016 Quantum Key West Race Week finishes at the end of January. Boats that are planning to continue their Florida winter getaway can add this one to their “bucket list” of fabulous regatta itineraries. And, for those boats contemplating heading further east into the Caribbean for the sextet of famous winter regattas (RORC 600, St Maarten, St Thomas, BVI, St Barths, Antigua), this week would be a natural one to start the winter-long celebration of fun-in-the-sun! Here is the current schedule of five (5) races total:

Jan 27- Wednesday- Captains Meeting and party at Key West
Jan 28- Thursday- Key West to Veradero, Cuba Race
Jan 29- Friday- Veradero Awards and party
Jan 30- Saturday- free day
Jan 31- Sunday- Veradero Offshore buoy race- Awards/ party after
Feb 1- Monday- Veradero to Havana Race- Marina Hemingway
Feb 2- Tuesday- free day
Feb 3- Wednesday- Havana’s El Malecon Parade Race- awards/party @ Marina Hemingway
Feb 4- Thursday- free day
Feb 5- Friday- Havana to Key West Race
Feb 6- Saturday- Key West awards/ party