A look at three untapped cruising grounds
by David Schmidt, Sail-World Cruising Editor on 22 Jan 2016
Cuba Cayo Largo SW
As cruisers, we fill our day dreams with thoughts of azure waters, (relatively) untouched tropical islands, perfect sunsets and locals who are happy to share their way of life with their visitors. While it’s getting harder and harder to escape the beaten path as the world becomes increasingly global in its outlook and reach, the great news is that bluewater sailboats are perfectly designed to carry their crews far off of life’s everyday rhumb lines, so it’s still possible escape the hordes and see natural beauty of a (relatively) untapped nature.
The only catch, of course, is that you will need to clear some geographical and-depending on the color of your passport-political hurdles first.
Fortunately, this later point is becoming a bit easier, especially as the United States eases its restrictions to Cuba, the long forbidden (for us Yankees at least) island situated just 90 miles from Key West, Florida, which is reportedly a fantastic place to cruise, provided that one has the proper government clearances.
Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands, and the Hemmingway Marina is the most famous of the big island’s marinas and ports of entry (and exit). Cuba may be best known for its (in)famous leadership and its hand-rolled cigars, but the island nation is host to numerous national parks and white-sand beaches, beautiful Spanish architecture, fantastic music, and warm and generous people.
Given its location at the top of the Caribbean island chain, Cuba is an ideal stopping point for cruisers transitioning from mainland USA to a season of Caribbean gunkholing. Lastly, Cuba is a nation on the brink of great change, given its now-thawing relations with Washington D.C., so cruisers are advised to plot a course for the Hemmingway Marina before the forces of change forever reshape Havana and the entire island nation.
Meanwhile, on the antipodean side of the globe, Papua New Guinea has long occupied a place of mystery and mystique in nautical folklore, no doubt due to its history, which includes chapters on headhunting and cannibalism, both of which have long since ended.
Today’s Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse nations on earth, with some 848 languages spoken among a population of just over seven million people (according to a 2011 census). Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Papua New Guinea sits at the collision point of several tectonic plates, meaning that this is a geologically active area, and one prone to natural upheaval.
In addition to its mainland area, Papua New Guinea also contains several islands, including New Ireland, New Britain and Bougainville. Once ashore on the main island, visitors can expect to find steep hillsides and a geography that does not easily lend itself to the construction of road and transportation infrastructure, meaning that sections of the country are largely inaccessible.
Given Papua New Guinea’s (relatively) close proximity to northeastern Australia, cruisers who have been visiting Queensland and the world-famous Whitsunday Islands are encouraged to venture north and explore this rugged and geologically active place.
Further north west of Papua New Guinea is Myanmar (Burma), which is situated conveniently close to Thailand, which has long been a must-see destination for many world cruisers.
Myanmar is home to a population of some 51 million people, but the mainland is not the only terra firma under the government control. For example, the Mergui Archipelago contains more than 800 islands, as well as some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Not-to-miss island highlights include Kyun Phi Lar, Lampi Island, Macleod Island, and Nyaung Wee I, but cruisers are encouraged to explore some of the unnamed islands in order to discover Myanmar’s real untapped natural beauty.
Depending on where you live, there are significant passages involved to reach these destinations, but-if the goal is to experience untapped natural beauty and culture that doesn’t reek of McDonalds and Coca-Cola-it’s important to remember that distance (geographical and political) often serves as an important filter that separates the tourist hordes from bluewater sailors.
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