Registration Open for 2017 Pensacola a La Habana Race

Registration for the 2017 Pensacola a La Habana Race from Pensacola Bay, Florida to Cuba’s Marina Hemingway near Habana is now open. This 511-mile race rides the tricky and often elusive loop current south from the top of the Gulf of Mexico to the bottom.

Organizers hope for a 50-boat fleet, with the second biennial race to start April 30, 2017. Entry is open to multi-hulls and mono-hulls, amateurs and professionals, cruisers, racer/cruisers and all out racers.

Classic cruiser boats should expect to cover the course in about four days, racers less. The Castillo del Morro Race — an international race promoting sportsmanship between nations that includes additional boats flagged in or visiting Cuba — is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2017. Trophy presentations follow with an evening celebration at Hemingway International Yacht Club.

The race will be sailed in Multihull and Monohull Fleets with two divisions in each: a PHRF race division under Gulf Yachting Association [GYA] PHRF ratings with regular credits or penalties and another under GYA PHRF modified handicap ratings in a Cruiser’s Race Division that will offer additional amenity based cruiser credits and motoring allowances.

The Pensacola Yacht Club Satori Foundation will host a US Sailing Safety At Sea™ weekend with a two-day US Sailing Safety at Sea™ ‘hands-on’ seminar March 25-26 or a one-day US Sailing Safety at Sea™ ‘classroom only’ seminar on March 25. Details and registration information here.

The Pensacola a La Habana Race organizers strongly recommend that at least 30% of those aboard the boat, but not fewer than two members of the crew, including the person in charge, should have attended a one-day, or two-day US Sailing Safety at Sea™ Seminar within the last 5 years.

Event details – Notice of Race