Chez Teamvideo
The reason for deciding whether to sail to Cuba is not what you imagine | Ep. 110 - Chez Team
August 9, 2026 · 29 min · 33K views · Long Island, Bahamas
What this video covers
The crew of the 40-foot sailboat *Chesteam* abandoned plans to sail to Cuba from the Bahamas due to logistical constraints and the need to reach hurricane-safe waters in the southern Caribbean. Navigating from the Rugged Islands, the crew faced significant challenges in clearing customs, as the nearest port of entry and exit, Inagua, required a long, upwind passage against prevailing currents and Atlantic swells. The team determined that the bureaucratic requirement to enter and exit Cuba at the same port would restrict their ability to explore the coast legally, while moving to a different port for departure would force an inefficient, time-consuming detour against the wind.
After a 40-hour passage from the Rugged Islands, the crew arrived in the Dominican Republic. The transit involved heavy salt spray and uncomfortable conditions, leading a guest crew member to depart the vessel early. The team utilized a portable diving system for shallow-water reef exploration before completing their formal exit from the Bahamas. The decision to bypass Cuba prioritized vessel safety and hurricane-season scheduling over the original itinerary.
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